Ball valve question... - Page 2

billtzk · 12-16-2011, 05:04 AM

If the price is only a couple of dollars difference, I'd go for 316 over 304. More than that much difference and I'll stick with the cheaper 304. Carry both and see which sells better.

I see no advantage in having 316L for ball valves unless they have weld fittings rather than NPT. 316L is useful for 1/2 NPT female couplings that will be welded.

orangehero · 12-16-2011, 05:09 AM

Why is it definitely worth more than 304? What shortcomings are you seeing in your 304 valves?

304 is the standard grade. If you use a stainless steel pot or keg, it's almost guaranteed to be 304.

I'd go Titanium if that is an option...

GT_YellowJacket · 12-16-2011, 05:35 AM

I haven't seen any shortcomings in my 304 brewery parts yet, but I haven't had any of them long enough to really reach any justifiable conclusions. However, I've done enough design and environmental testing of stainless steel parts in my career to know that I'd rather have 316 over 304 if the price is right.

billtzk · 12-16-2011, 05:41 AM

316 has better corrosion resistance than 304, but I don't think 316 is truly any better than 304 for food applications, including homebrewing. It's just bling. Bling is marketable.

GT_YellowJacket · 12-16-2011, 05:47 AM

And who doesn't like a little bling?!

But seriously, 304 will corrode much more easily than most people think.

milldoggy · 12-16-2011, 09:34 AM

In the presence of florine, I have seen 304 Look like bare steel in the rain.

Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Home Brew Talk

bh10 · 12-16-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT_YellowJacket

But seriously, 304 will corrode much more easily than most people think.

Yep.

**Austinhomebrew** · 12-16-2011, 12:25 PM

316 doesnt cost much more at all. I think I will carry both 304 and 316.

Forrest

**DamageCT** · 12-16-2011, 01:45 PM

I know I would go with 316 next time after I had a 304 rust on me (since I forgot to dry it off after use in my HLT)

SPLASTiK · 12-17-2011, 12:56 AM

If it was within a couple bucks I might go 316 but nothing wrong with 304... and I have trouble believing it helps that much more if you actually take care of your equipment. Pretty much every professional brewing supplier site I've looked at has almost everything 304 and very few things available in 316, especially as far as valves are concerned.