DIY SS Plumbing

[H0tshoe]

I would really like to use 1/2" 304 stainless plumbing for my new brew stand. I don't have any experience with this stuff. I'm very interested in tri-clamp style disconnects where I am joining the equipment together. I can't seem to figure out the most economical way to join a tri-clamp end fitting to a custom bent and cut 1/2" stainless tube. What are my options?

 

[Daves69]

Camlocks and Silicone hose/copper pipe. That's what most of us use around here and the reason is there is what you said. " I can't seem to figure out the most economical way to join a tri-clamp end fitting to a custom bent and cut 1/2" stainless tube. What are my options?".

Don't get me wrong there are many people on here use have incorporated tri-clamps into their bewery and even some with 304 SS pipe. Good luck either route you take!

 

[The10mmKid]

You'll need a source for the expensive close radius tubing bender.

SS pipe can be cut with your typical copper pipe cutter.

You will need to purchase SS compression fittings.

There are numerous NPT to Tri Clover fittings available.

A good hydraulic hose house MAY let you borrow their bender since you'll be buying their pipe and compression fittings.

'da Kid

 

[kickflip_mj]

The10mmKid nailed it. if you are looking for the cheaper road this is not it. When you go hard plumbed you have to incorperate multiple valves and what not. There is a reason why most people just use tubing. Somedays i wish i went down that road.

 

[mattd2]

...You will need to purchase SS compression fittings.

There are numerous NPT to Tri Clover fittings available.

A good hydraulic hose house MAY let you borrow their bender since you'll be buying their pipe and compression fittings.

'da Kid

After adding up the cost for each connections being a NPT TC + a compression fitting and multiplying it by the number of fittings in a typical hardplumbed setup... the cheaper route may be to buy yourself a TIG set and learn to weld SS

 

[Bobby_M]

Unless you're ready to drop some coin on having TC ferrules sanitary welded on to your tubing, any benefits of using hard piping and TC connections will be lost. Do yourself a favor and build it with silicone tubing and camlocks. I know...."said the salesman who sells these items"... but I do know what I'm talking about some of the time also..

If you want to get as much hard piping as you can, at least use short pieces of silicone on the ends. Not 100% sanitary, but better than a bunch of threads everywhere. Sanitize with heat and don't worry too much.

 

[kickflip_mj]

Unless you're ready to drop some coin on having TC ferrules sanitary welded on to your tubing, any benefits of using hard piping and TC connections will be lost. Do yourself a favor and build it with silicone tubing and camlocks. I know...."said the salesman who sells these items"... but I do know what I'm talking about some of the time also..

If you want to get as much hard piping as you can, at least use short pieces of silicone on the ends. Not 100% sanitary, but better than a bunch of threads everywhere. Sanitize with heat and don't worry too much.

I agree bobby.

I built my rig out of all TC hard piping and its cost me well of 1-2k in plumbing alone. I dont see the advantages unless you go full automation.