CFC Build Q - pipe/hose fittings

Yarthur · 02-09-2012, 05:23 PM

I'm about to purchase the copper for a CFC - inspired by Bobby M. I'm going to buy 100' of copper and 100' of PEX, build 4, sell 3.

Since I'm not just building for myself, and since I'm pretty young at this (3 batches total, just looking for DIY to keep myself busy), I don't want to cause undo headaches. I was wondering if there are any "common" fittings I should stick to.

Specifically, I was thinking of ending the water lines with 1/2" NPT male ends, and the wort lines with 3/8" NPT male ends. Should I just go with it, or should I re-think part of that? I like the idea of differing diameters indicating the line use, but if that will result in someone frankensteining a ball valve or something, I'd happily go the path of least resistance.

Thanks all.

JA

**JRems** · 02-09-2012, 05:34 PM

Just leave the ends as they are. Just have the copper tube sticking out the end. Let the end user adapt the fittings they need. Also I wouldn't use pex. Won't pex melt? There is going to be boiling water going through it. I used automotive heater hose and when im recirculating with boiling water to sanitize, the rubber gets soft and it's rated for over 250 degrees. I wouldn't trust pex at boiling temps.

Yarthur · 02-09-2012, 05:44 PM

Home Depot gave me the following (roughly):

PEX:
Maximum working pressure of 160 psi
Minimum working temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum working temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit

Rubber Hose:
Commercial-grade hot-water rubber hose withstands water temperatures of up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit

As far as I'm concerned, if the PEX can stand similar temps as the rubber hose, I'm good.

Yarthur · 02-09-2012, 05:47 PM

So why PEX, just to get it out of the way quickly...

1) Cheaper - I can buy 100' of PEX cheaper than a 50' rubber hose.

2) More rigid - It's got a bit more structure, should protect the copper in there a bit more. This is what sold me on the idea - cost is one thing, but I want the equipment to last.

It will be harder to lay straight, but I have a system for that (famous last words), and it will be harder to coil, but I've got a couple ideas for that, too, that I'm going to have to play around with.

**JRems** · 02-09-2012, 07:47 PM

I wouldn't feel safe using pex. It's also thinner and will not take the abuse and Wear and tear rubber can withstand. The rubber hose I used is for heating systems in cars and trucks. It's meant to take pressure and withstand temps of close to 300 degrees. I guess I overbuilt it but didn't trust a standard garden hose at those temps. Pex is also going to be very hard to work with.