Polyethylene Line Integrity

[jmhbutler]

I just swapped out my three sets of lines from vinyl to Bev-Seal Ultra 235 polyethylene.

What a PITA to do! I had to warm with a heat gun, stretch several steps with drill bits, start over because of kinks... etc. But well worth it, they taste great. No more rubber boot vinyl taste on the first poor.

While trying to organize them, being a lot more rigid, I was cutting off a zip tie that was holding a coil of lines and while doing so, I cut into a line slightly with the back of my scissors.

The cut is very shallow but it can be seen and felt nevertheless.

My questions is, does this pose an integrity problem and should I replace the line?

On one hand I feel like the lines are very thick, the problem is only superficial, and if it did ever leak it would be while manipulating the lines and I'd catch it.

On the other hand, the thought of it leaking without me knowing, wasting the time and ingredient costs that go into a keg, filling my keezer with beer, and spending an eternity to clean the resulting mess seems like an extra 20$ and hour of time to replace seem worth while.

I need somebody to chime in and tell me what to do!

Cheers

 

[gnef]

Haha. I am paranoid when it comes to stuff like this. I would definitely replace the line if you have spare line.

Also, I know it is too late for you, but John Guest fittings are a wonder when it comes to the Bev Seal Ultra 235 tubing. You just push it in, and it seals. I have John Guest fittings on everything now, the shanks, disconnects, regulators, manifolds, jockey boxes, etc.

I have changed out all my 14 taps for bev seal ultra on my coffin box, along with unified my faucets to perlick 650ss (I used the 1/4" ID bev seal ultra), and it has been a great combination, and I am no longer throwing away the first couple ounce of the pour due to the plastic taint.

I plan on also changing out the 13 taps on my Jockey boxes as well, and I also use the bev seal ultra as gas lines, so I plan on completely removing PVC tubing from my brewhouse.

 

[jmhbutler]

Thanks gnef.

These John Guest fittings are interesting. They're built to withstand the up to 30PSI pressure when force carbonating?

As far as this small knick goes, I don't have extra line around. Think I should order some?

 

[gnef]

I've used the John Guest fittings up to around 50-60 psi without problems. I think they are rated even higher.

Well, if you don't have any line around, you can take your chances. Depending on how deep the cut is, you might be fine. If you don't flex the line much when in use, you shouldn't be fatiguing the weak area. You can take your chances if you want. If you have the cash to buy replacement line though, that's what I would still recommend.