Question
Just wondering if any one could tell me what the recommended flow rate is for the Boreas. ie. what is the flow rate of the standard pump that comes with the complete kit.
Also is it possible to get the chiller with 1/2 inch barbs.
Answer
Unfortunately, the Boreas Barebones unit only comes with 1/4 inch barbs.
The necessary flow rate is not very fast as our pumps (which are designed to be efficient in these applications) are around 3.5L/min.
Question
So would the Swiftech MCP655 be okay with this unit or I lose out in performance due to the swiftech pumps high flow rate which is approximately 20L/min?
Answers
20 L/min seems a bit extreme.
Since all of Cool It Systems chiller units use 1/4" ID tubing, there is a possibility the pump would generate a lot of head pressure; could blow a line off, though I never seen it happen.
IMO, I would use Swiftech 350 or 355. The head pressure is enough that you shouldn't blow a line, and yet enough to tack on a bunch of other FHE's or Radiators without losing a lot of flow.
swiftech 350 = 7.33 l/min
swiftech 355 = 7.56 l/min
Although both of these units are great products I am not convinced that a doubling of the flow rate would deliver the optimum heat removal that the Boreas unit was designed for. You got to remember not only would you be doubling the system flow in the system the pressure in the FHE's be increased even further because of the smaller inlet and outlet barb resulting in even a greater flow speed in the FHE's. Without going into the flow VS thermal efficiency calculations of the proposed system loop it would be advantageous to contact the tech support folks and get their recommendations for a pump as I am certain that the have tested many and have the pertinent data available at hand.
In leiu of getting a pump from coolit ..... IMO I would suggest the Danger Den - DDC-12V REV3.2 18W.
admin
Increasing the flow rate by double or so should have little effect on temperatures and performance. As long as you do not push the pressure up too high (above 30psi or so) everything should still work. We do recommend our pump and you can certainly purchase the Bare Bone unit with one of our pumps by contacting our sales guys directly, but any of the lower flow pumps mentioned earlier should be perfectly fine for the unit.