304 vs 316

[MonkeyWrench]

This has probably been discussed before, but because our search won't find 3 letter words, I can't seem to find anything.

I'm pricing out parts for a RIMS system including misc fittings for the kegs and such.

I know 316 has molybdenum added and has better corrosion resistance (though I don't know under what circumstances) than 304. The price difference in most items is small, but on larger items, it is a larger gap.

It's my understanding that kegs are 316, and I shouldn't have any problems soldering 304 to them, however, what if I ended up welding them? Should I just pony up and get the 316 fittings for the kegs, and just go with 304 for the RIMS manifold?

Thanks!
Steve

 

[BargainFittings]

304 and 316 will weld together fine. The rule of thumb is the filler rod will be the higher type of stainless.

 

[Sawdustguy]

This has probably been discussed before, but because our search won't find 3 letter words, I can't seem to find anything.

I'm pricing out parts for a RIMS system including misc fittings for the kegs and such.

I know 316 has molybdenum added and has better corrosion resistance (though I don't know under what circumstances) than 304. The price difference in most items is small, but on larger items, it is a larger gap.

It's my understanding that kegs are 316, and I shouldn't have any problems soldering 304 to them, however, what if I ended up welding them? Should I just pony up and get the 316 fittings for the kegs, and just go with 304 for the RIMS manifold?

Thanks!
Steve

I don't know where I read this but I remember that 304 is preferred for food contact. Check out my RIMS tube thread. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/build-relatively-inexpensive-tri-clover-rims-tube-159639/

 

[MadDwarf]

A tip for those irritating 3-letter searches - use your favorite search engine with the "site:" flag to limit results to this forum.

Example:
http://www.google.com/search?q=site:www.homebrewtalk.com 316 stainless

 

[MonkeyWrench]

Thanks for the clarification. I will just go ahead and order the 304.

And MadDwarf, thanks for that tip about google. I will give it a try.