Metallurgy question

[Pombe]

The old Brass v. Stainless Steel conundrum. Until yesterday, we were planning on plumbing our single tier HERMS with 100% copper tubing and Swagelok Brass fittings. Can someone please put my mind at rest on the whole lead contamination thing?

Temperature has also got me thinking...what about boiling wort through copper tubing and Brass fittings? According to my Compass Corrosion guide, brass and copper are listed as suitable for potable water to temps up to 160 deg F which would be fine for the mash. Any thoughts or feedback?

I know about reducing surface lead with vinegar/hydrogen peroxide but what about cleaning a brass/copper system? Best products? Any Brass loving homebrewers out there can chime in...

Thanks,
G

 

[Walker]

I don't know if I'll be much help, but when it came to the lead and the brass, I just said "F*ck it."

I use brass fittings and copper tubing for all of my plumbing on my HERMS and I pump boiling hot stuff through everything. I didn't even pickle my brass. Just bought the standard stuff form Lowe's and Ace and used it right out of the package.

I have not noticed any ill effects. The brass has slowly pickled from all the crap I pump through it (oxyclean, starsan, wort, water).

edit: let me put it another way. I used to fish all the time when I was a kid. We used lead split sinkers. You would put them on the line by biting them and clamping them down on the line. I am SURE I eas exposed to a lot more lead by biting sinkers that I will ever be exposed to from the fittings on my brewing system.

 

[Catt22]

I agree with Walker on this one. I have no fear of using copper or brass. The air we breathe is a much greater danger. I've never bothered to pickle any of the brass or copper I used either.

 

[lanvp]

FYI...

http://www.howtobrew.com/appendices/appendixB.html

Need I say more?

Hope this helps.

Cheers!