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Truble · 10-04-2006, 01:23 PM

Morning all-

So, I am in the process of building out equipment for AG. I have a 48 QT box cooler that I am converting, and was originally planning on building out a copper manifold. Copper is very expensive now! I do have a 10' length of 1" copper from another DIY project, but will need to buy reducer Ts and some 1/2" to complete.

I am thinking that I might be able to buy all the materials for a complete CPVC manifold and sparge arm for the same or less than the copper that I need.

Question- for those that use CPVC manifolds-are you happy with it? Have you used copper before, and if so, what do you prefer?

Are there any ill effects from using CPVC? Do you use a different joint weld cement? Do you even bother or do you just slide it together?

I know exactly what I am doing with copper, and have worked with PVC before a lot, but never on something that would be touching a comsumable.

thx in advance!
markfitz

**Bobby_M** · 10-04-2006, 01:51 PM

CPVC is acceptable in my area for cold and hot potable water supplies. I understand it endurs continuous temps of up to 180dF and does use a special cement. I've seen CPVC-specific cement at the home store. I personally wouldn't have any reservations about using it, but I also have not tried.

Keep in mind, the pipe will lengthen by 4% with a 100dF temp increase.

Bobby

Truble · 10-04-2006, 03:15 PM

Good call on the expansion-I would not have thought about that much increase when heated. I guess I will have to check it out as an option.

Blender · 10-04-2006, 03:49 PM

Are you going batch sparge? If so then the only thing you need is a stainless steel braid.

Truble · 10-04-2006, 03:52 PM

That is option 3. I did not mention that. I have a braided hose from another DIY that I can salvage. In the beginning, I will just be batch sparging, but once I get a true HLT built, I want to go to sparge.

The stainless braid is a known quantity, so I was just trying to compare copper against CPVC. The winner goes against stainless braid in the title round!

**the_bird** · 10-04-2006, 03:55 PM

The braid worked great for me in my (first) mash; never even thought about getting stuck. The only minor issue is that it does want to float a little, so I've got to figure out how to weigh it down. If you already have the braid, I'd use that before going to the trouble of making a manifold.

Truble · 10-04-2006, 03:58 PM

I am going to check it out tonight. I am trying to find the right nipple to make the bulkhead for the cooler. The end that they mold at the factory for a spigot is very thin, and I wanted to use a stonger wall, so I put it on the other end, through the thicker foam, so that it will offer more support. Problem is that the thickness is right between bits that I had already purchased, so I need to get another one. Once that is done, I will be ready to go.

**Bobby_M** · 10-04-2006, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_bird

The braid worked great for me in my (first) mash; never even thought about getting stuck. The only minor issue is that it does want to float a little, so I've got to figure out how to weigh it down. If you already have the braid, I'd use that before going to the trouble of making a manifold.

Been thinking about using the braid method but have an idea that might solve your problem as well. Instead of rolling the end to close off the braid, I thought of just inserting a 1/2" copper pipe cap and clamping down with a stainless hose clamp. That ought to add a bit of weight to the end to fix your floating problem. If not, I suppose a 316 grade SS bolt would work too.

Bobby

Truble · 10-04-2006, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby_M

Been thinking about using the braid method but have an idea that might solve your problem as well. Instead of rolling the end to close off the braid, I thought of just inserting a 1/2" copper pipe cap and clamping down with a stainless hose clamp. That ought to add a bit of weight to the end to fix your floating problem. If not, I suppose a 316 grade SS bolt would work too.

Bobby

Nice one-that sounds like a good idea. I was wondering about the best way to close off/weight it.

Looks like I am making a stop tonight to buy more stuff!

Truble · 10-04-2006, 11:18 PM

OK, so i have cleaned the flex faucet tube that I had, and now I am left with the stainless braid (gotta love portable bandsaws). I like the idea for its simplicity, but has anyone who used it noticed any collapsing? My plan is to hose clamp it to a copper coupling, and clamp the open end around a copper end cap. (thx to Bobby_M for that)