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BrewerBill · 04-12-2009, 11:52 PM

I just had a thought, is it recomended or necessary to sanitize the teflon tape used on brewery fittings?

Thanks

llazy_llama · 04-12-2009, 11:54 PM

I remember hearing (Basic Brewing Podcast maybe?) that the acidity of Star San can eat up teflon. Personally, I wouldn't bother with it.

Figbash · 04-13-2009, 12:52 AM

No, just sanitize the system it's used in before you brew.

BTW, teflon is one of the most chemical resistant polymers available. It even has an excellent rating with hydrofluoric acid which will dissolve glass. About the only thing that will harm it is flourine which drops it's chemical resistance rating from excellent to good.

Tom

Bokonon · 04-13-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llazy_llama

I remember hearing (Basic Brewing Podcast maybe?) that the acidity of Star San can eat up teflon. Personally, I wouldn't bother with it.

I've not heard that before, but I do recall hearing that PBW is good on almost everything but teflon.

llazy_llama · 04-13-2009, 01:09 AM

You're probably right. It very well might have been PBW I'm thinking of.

worxman02 · 04-13-2009, 04:32 AM

There is a post somewhere on here that explains it better, but PBW and Star-San only affect teflon COATINGS. They interact with the adhesive resulting in the coating peeling off. I think the info came from an interview on the brewing network podcast.

EDIT: Found it: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/charlie-talley-five-star-chemicals-notes-brewcasts-58928/

BrewerBill · 04-14-2009, 10:28 PM

Thanks for the responses. I was concerned that bugs might somehow migrate the "wraps" of tape I use on the fittings in my plastic conical. I've never had any contamination problems, just curious.