Pvc rims

[spacetweezer]

After alot of digging and research,

I have found others who have thought about, even built RIMS tubes out of PVC, but I could not find anyone who has actually tested, or used one to make an actual beer.

I threw one together and heat tested it up to 170 degrees F. I am just looking for anyone else who has actually gone through with a test run on a beer, mainly out of curiousity.

I suspect everyone who suggests this gets dettered after the replies about toxic meltdowns, outgassing, but I can't beleive no one else has at least given this a whirl.

 

[jcaudill]

I can't blame people for not wanting to get sick PVC is not heat friendly.

 

[MrSpiffy]

You can try using CPVC. That should be safe. We have it in our home for water supply lines. But you might not find the sizes you're looking for. Most of it tends to be small-diameter stuff.

 

[jcaudill]

CPVC is rated for higher temps - up to 200 but that is caveat-ed with only if you use non-threaded fittings. If you use threaded fittings it's only good up to 150. PVC is just not a great material for the task.

 

[jfrizzell]

I'd stick with stainless pipe if it were me.

 

[ScottSingleton]

even if you decided to go down the CPVC or PVC route (which is just crazy IMHO) the very first time your rims system experiences any sort of glitch, either automated or self-induced (i.e. you turn off the pump, turn on your RIMS with an air pocket around the sensor, etc) the localized heat around the elment could build up and you have zero safty margin for that sort of thing.

All you would have is a melted RIMS tube, dangerously hot liqour everywhere, and potential for electrical shorts, etc.

The SS tube parts aren't all that expensive and the Kit from BrewHardware runs like 75$ I think. I would think the economy would dictate that you'd waste more parts/time/effort experimenting with no perceivable or stated gain compared to that of just making an outright SS pipe purchase.

 

[Bobby_M]

...and I'd even give you $10 off the RIMS kit just to keep you from a plastic melt down.

 

[fall-line]

...I was also going to use PVC for this? Save me Bobby?

I'm kidding, no plans to build a RIMS tube anytime soon, but I echo the thoughts of others here. I applaud your curiosity, spacetweezer, but I think the reason nobody has actually tested it is because it is a really bad idea.

Welcome to the forum. If you decide to build a RIMS setup, I will add another recommendation to Bobby's brewhardware.com. I've bought other gear from him as have many many of us on here; he's top notch.

 

[JoeyChopps]

Bobby I'm thinking of building a valve out of aluminum foil can I get a discount too

 

[ScottSingleton]

Bobby... My Rims tube I made out of old beer cans and duct tape ended disastrously. I ended up buying my rims tube from you. Can I get a free beer? : P

 

[EarthBound]

Bahahaha!

 

[Bsquared]

I priced out a RIMS tube from This ebay seller for $50 for all the stainless parts.

PVC is a bad idea, CPVC might work, but the cost will be about the same.

 

[kpr121]

My mcdonalds straw sight glass is acting up again....keep getting yellow and red ink in my beer....

 

[jfrizzell]

I've been using an oversized version of this to sparge.

Save me Bobby!

 

[MrSpiffy]

LOL! Wow, this thread took an interesting turn!

I'd agree that using stainless pipe is the best option. CPVC was just a suggestion to avoid use of normal PVC. The only advantage I can imagine for CPVC is lighter weight.

 

[CS223]

A side note, one method of bending and shaping PVC is to put it in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes and then remove & shape it. On construction sites, they will have a large metal pipe filled with antifreeze and gas fired, I've seen them shape 4" plastic conduit that way.

 

[spacetweezer]

First, Thanks for the gracious offer Bobby M.

Wait for it,!!!! Wait For it, !!!! prepare for the I told you so!!!!!

I have a rule, "Test Three Times!" So with health insurance and life insurance in full force, I proceeded with caution.

Test 1. All went fine acheived 170 Degree, no apparent issues
Test 2. All went fine acheived 170 Degree, no apparent issues
Test 3. Realized that I was running without manifold in place, put manifold on
and the extra strain on the pump resulted in enough of a flow issue
that the RIMS tube ran dry enough to start a meltdown.

I was watching very close and it was a very short time that the RIMS tube was without sufficient volume/flow of water, and the element began to sag. System was shut down and the PVC rims now sleeps with the fishes.

This was never about money, time, or any other plausable reason that one could theorize. It was simply curiosity. And before anyone has a chance, I will say it "Curiosity Killed the Cat!" I had the stuff laying around from other unrelated projects. I did learn that, regardless of materials used, A RIMS system may not be what I want. So it wasn't a complete waste of time. I will have to give it some more thought.