Brass and beer

[Photopilot]

I am creating a bottling system, a variation of the Beermuncher system. I am adding some attachments and valves to make it variable for different bottles or vessels.

Some of the valves and attachments I got were brass (not safe in california) other were plastic quick release. My plan is to use this to bottle a few beers from keg to give away or to bottle a few gallons of a keg to empty it, or maybe even bottle a full 5 gallons at a time.

After each use I plan to run some carbonated water through the filler and then some star san to be left in the filler until next use. I might be able to find some 1/4" stainless steel valves and nipples tomorrow but the $38 SS valve in the store today left me with sticker shock. Before I go searching tomorrow and possibly spending money on bling Is brass going to be a problem for the use I intend?

 

[GutsyBrewing]

Stainless steel is the ultimate in corrosion resistance for the homebrewer.

That being said I know a lot of people use brass to save a few bucks without problems. I have some brass fittings and I don't lose any sleep over them. I wouldn't worry about it.

Also $38 for a SS valve!?!?! check out bargainfittings.com I just got a couple 3-piece SS 1/2" valves for $17.

 

[LordUlrich]

Brass should be avoided post fermentation. From what I recalled it reacts to cause a staleing reaction but only post fermentation. Chrome plated brass would be OK.

 

[Photopilot]

The place I was shopping has almost any valve gasket etc you could imagine for any project, almost. Rows and rows of valves fittings etc you can walk down and go from aisle to aisle trying to put something together. If you live in SLC or SD you owe it to yourself to visit Marshalls Industrial Supply. Beware that 1/4" SS valves are expensive though.

I am going to the local SS supplier up the road to look for a mini 1/4 " SS valve today.