COPPER vs. SS???

[mikelikesit2000]

I am planning my brutus and would like to know the pros and cons of running Copper piping vs. Stainless steel. Thanks in advance

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

Copper is easier to work with, and generally cheaper and more readily available. Stainless is non-reactive, for the most part, and easier to clean.

 

[mikelikesit2000]

Copper is easier to work with, and generally cheaper and more readily available. Stainless is non-reactive, for the most part, and easier to clean.

You mean easier to clean after a brew? Would that be running a TSP(trisodiumphosphate) solution through it?

 

[bendavanza]

PBW or Oxyclean are the most common home-brew cleaners.

 

[billtzk]

What are you contemplating using the copper or stainless steel for? Are you going to hard plumb between kegs and pumps? I use 1/2 inch silicone tubing for that purpose. The only copper tubing I have is dip tubes and recirculation returns in my boil kettle and MLT.

 

[mikelikesit2000]

What are you contemplating using the copper or stainless steel for? Are you going to hard plumb between kegs and pumps? I use 1/2 inch silicone tubing for that purpose. The only copper tubing I have is dip tubes and recirculation returns in my boil kettle and MLT.

Yes. I am going to hard pipe my system. As a Pipefitter I understand the mechanical pros & cons. I'm just not too sure of the chemical effects (taste, odor, color....) that copper will have. I assume none because brewers have been using copper kettles for decades.

I plan on not using any fittings for bends. I will bend each run entirely. I will also use dielectric fittings between the SS vessels and the copper tube.

I think it would look nice with the copper all shiny and the frame painted a metalic root beer color.

 

[billtzk]

Sounds very interesting. I hope you post pictures of it when you are done. I would love to see it.

I use my pumps in different configurations depending on what I'm doing. I presume you'll need to do the same. Will you use three way valves to route the flow through different pipe circuits?

 

[mikelikesit2000]

I use my pumps in different configurations depending on what I'm doing. I presume you'll need to do the same. Will you use three way valves to route the flow through different pipe circuits?

I am not sure. Havn't got that far. I like the idea of using three-way valves. It would make for a clean looking finished build.