ScubaSteve
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2007
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Hey All-
As I am cobbling the parts together for my all-stainless Brewcart 3.0, I can't help but weigh the pros and cons of different ways to transfer fluids. Here's where I'm at, I wonder what everyone else thinks and whether they have experience with each medium:
Stainless Pipe:
-Pros: Fittings are affordable, structure is solid and can support weight, can be broken down. Thicker wall will retain heat. ID is 1/2" allowing for good flow.
-Cons: Nipples longer than 6" can get $$$! Threaded fittings allow buildup of crap, unable to build custom length without threading machine. May leak without lots of teflon tape. Less aesthetic. Ball valves must be used, which collect crap and may restrict flow.
Stainless Tubing:
-Pros: ~$3.50/ft, more affordable for longer runs. Can be bent slightly if necessary, can easily be custom cut. Smoother inside, may collect less crap than pipe. Aesthetically pleasing.
-Cons: Requires swagelok fittings, which can be $$$. Thin wall will lose heat. May not be able to support weight of fittings, may be more susceptible to leaks after moving. Connection may suffer from break/remake. ID of tube is less than 1/2". Ball valves must be used, which collect crap and may restrict flow.
Triclover Pipe:
-Pros: Sanitary (Duh). Can be broken down easily. Aesthetically pleasing. Excellent flow rate, >1/2". Diaphragm valves can be used, which are sanitary and drain completely. Modular, accessories can be added/removed. Leak free. HIGH resale value.
-Cons: Expensive, ESPECIALLY for long sections of pipe. Bulky. Cannot be custom cut or manipulated. Can be very difficult/expensive to find certain fittings.
So what do you guys think? I have no experience with stainless tubing, so I'm afraid of bending/kinking it. OTOH, I think pipe and TC may be difficult to get everything to line up correctly.
As I am cobbling the parts together for my all-stainless Brewcart 3.0, I can't help but weigh the pros and cons of different ways to transfer fluids. Here's where I'm at, I wonder what everyone else thinks and whether they have experience with each medium:
Stainless Pipe:
-Pros: Fittings are affordable, structure is solid and can support weight, can be broken down. Thicker wall will retain heat. ID is 1/2" allowing for good flow.
-Cons: Nipples longer than 6" can get $$$! Threaded fittings allow buildup of crap, unable to build custom length without threading machine. May leak without lots of teflon tape. Less aesthetic. Ball valves must be used, which collect crap and may restrict flow.
Stainless Tubing:
-Pros: ~$3.50/ft, more affordable for longer runs. Can be bent slightly if necessary, can easily be custom cut. Smoother inside, may collect less crap than pipe. Aesthetically pleasing.
-Cons: Requires swagelok fittings, which can be $$$. Thin wall will lose heat. May not be able to support weight of fittings, may be more susceptible to leaks after moving. Connection may suffer from break/remake. ID of tube is less than 1/2". Ball valves must be used, which collect crap and may restrict flow.
Triclover Pipe:
-Pros: Sanitary (Duh). Can be broken down easily. Aesthetically pleasing. Excellent flow rate, >1/2". Diaphragm valves can be used, which are sanitary and drain completely. Modular, accessories can be added/removed. Leak free. HIGH resale value.
-Cons: Expensive, ESPECIALLY for long sections of pipe. Bulky. Cannot be custom cut or manipulated. Can be very difficult/expensive to find certain fittings.
So what do you guys think? I have no experience with stainless tubing, so I'm afraid of bending/kinking it. OTOH, I think pipe and TC may be difficult to get everything to line up correctly.