Schnitzengiggle
Well-Known Member
I recently started a thread in the Equip & Sanitation forum about brass fittings and beer dispensing, however, the responses have not offered any technical or scientific knowledge on the subject, so I figured I would post my question here to see if any of the chemists or metallurgists, or individuals that are generally savvy about the use of non-plated brass in the brewery might be able to provide a solid determination for me.
I am building a Randall, I have the brass fittings for it, there are only 3 small brass fittings that will come into contact with the beer during dispensing (two brass 3/8" MFL x 1/4" MFL adapters, and one brass 1/4" MFL tee).
My concern is not really about the leaching of lead into the beer by the fittings, but if the fittings may cause any off flavors since there will be long term contact with the beer while it is in the serving lines (contact with the tee) and the randall itself (contact with the two adapter fittings).
I recently read some info that discussed the acidity of the beer, and the increased acidity due to the carbonic acid formed by carbonation. The material claimed that the pH is quite low, and that the brass fittngs may be unsuitable for dispensing applications.
Are there any chemists, metallurgists, or simply someone who understands the science behind brass fittings and their possible affect on flavor due to long term contact with beer?
I am grateful for any information you can provide on the subject, thanks in advance.
Cheers.
I am building a Randall, I have the brass fittings for it, there are only 3 small brass fittings that will come into contact with the beer during dispensing (two brass 3/8" MFL x 1/4" MFL adapters, and one brass 1/4" MFL tee).
My concern is not really about the leaching of lead into the beer by the fittings, but if the fittings may cause any off flavors since there will be long term contact with the beer while it is in the serving lines (contact with the tee) and the randall itself (contact with the two adapter fittings).
I recently read some info that discussed the acidity of the beer, and the increased acidity due to the carbonic acid formed by carbonation. The material claimed that the pH is quite low, and that the brass fittngs may be unsuitable for dispensing applications.
Are there any chemists, metallurgists, or simply someone who understands the science behind brass fittings and their possible affect on flavor due to long term contact with beer?
I am grateful for any information you can provide on the subject, thanks in advance.
Cheers.