Newest Threads

**NewDecadeBrewery** · 08-03-2012, 08:10 PM

Was looking for a 1/2" stainless nipple today and came across a website here http://www.zorotools.com/g/Sched.40%20Welded%20SS%20Nipples%201%202%22%20Pipe %20Size/00070959/#. When I went to add to my cart the website makes me swear that this wont be used in potable water applications in CA, MD, and VT - well I plan on using it on my fermenter, and it and I reside in CA. So, what gives? Is there something dangerous in stainless steel? These specifically said they are "welded" nipples. Is it something in the welding process that is unsafe? Why would a 1.5" supposedly fully threaded nipple be welded? I searched around on here and on the web and all I could find is something about lead and ANSI testing in California. Is it just that these nipples weren't specifically tested for lead, even though they may not contain any? Anyone on here know?

**SpikeBrewing** · 08-03-2012, 08:23 PM

More than likely it's because the inside of the pipe is rough and not 'sanitary'. That's more of a hypothesis though.

We buy many products through Duda Diesel. They have stainless nipples with the the hex on it for less than $4. Duda Diesel - Stainless Nipples

thargrav · 08-03-2012, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewDecadeBrewery

Was looking for a 1/2" stainless nipple today and came across a website here http://www.zorotools.com/g/Sched.40%20Welded%20SS%20Nipples%201%202%22%20Pipe %20Size/00070959/#. When I went to add to my cart the website makes me swear that this wont be used in potable water applications in CA, MD, and VT - well I plan on using it on my fermenter, and it and I reside in CA. So, what gives? Is there something dangerous in stainless steel? These specifically said they are "welded" nipples. Is it something in the welding process that is unsafe? Why would a 1.5" supposedly fully threaded nipple be welded? I searched around on here and on the web and all I could find is something about lead and ANSI testing in California. Is it just that these nipples weren't specifically tested for lead, even though they may not contain any? Anyone on here know?

316 stainless steel is food grade but 304 stainless steel is not food grade in the great state of California! This is because 304 stainless steel will corrode when exposed to acidic foods for long periods of time. 316 stainless steel will not corrode with the same exposure.

But 304 stainless steel is used in a lot of food processes every where else. 304 stainless steel should be fine for what you are doing.

**NewDecadeBrewery** · 08-03-2012, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thargrav

304 stainless steel will corrode when exposed to acidic foods

That would explain why with my first conical that had a bad weld and rusted that it rusted into the two-piece 304 stainless ball valve. I am soaking the disassembled valve in oxy-clean free right now and scrubbing with a faucet brush but some of the rust is stubborn. Leads me to another question: What if I soak the valve in vinegar, will that work on stainless? Should I use CLR or something? I know, hi-jacking my own thread.

Funny thing - the nipple I was trying to purchase from the above mentioned web site was the slightly more expensive 316. They still wanted me to respond in writing that I wasn't going to use this nipple in potable water applications.

thargrav · 08-04-2012, 12:43 PM

Get all of the active rust off the ball valve and it will pacify itself. Stainless steel will form its protective coating almost immediately when exposed to air but active rust prevents it from forming.