Using pvc for lauter tun manifold.

[sudsey]

Hi guys setting up for first ag brew. Have built my cooler lauter tun manifold using PVC that's meant to withstand hot water. I'm in Australia and the plumbing store guys had not heard of cpvc so I guess that's an American term. Obviously metal would be better but do you think my PVC manifold will be ok?

 

[andyhat]

Temperatures in a mash tun can get up to 175+ degrees during a mash out. Most PVC is only pressure rated up to 140 degrees. That having been said, There is not really any pressure on the pipe.

According to wikipedia, the glass temperature of PVC is ~180 F and the melting point is 212 F.

I think you could get by with it in the short term but I would be careful about what temperature you put stuff in there. For instance, when I mash out, I usually drain water, heat it and add it back in at boiling temperatures. I don't think this would be wise with your set up.

You might consider replacing your manifold with a stainless steel braid. It's easy to find and cheap to make.

 

[sudsey]

Thank you mate, so basically just make sure I let the water cool a bit to about 160 before making the mash and then sparging? Or can i go lower? What's the lowest temp you can mash at and sparge at?

 

[sudsey]

Also, what's a stainless steel braid?

 

[HomebrewMTB]

Do they have Pex pipe down under? It's a good for hot water and an alternative to cpvc. The connectors are more expensive but they also lay flat so you have less dead space. The pipe is also fairly flexible.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PEX

 

[jma99]

I have been using pvc connected to my stainless braid for years with no problems.

The braid comes from stripping the "innerds" out of a braided water supply line and then crimping the end. Works great!

 

[HomebrewMTB]

Also, what's a stainless steel braid?

It's the steel reinforcement from water lines as seen in the second example here:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Converting_a_cooler_to_a_mash_tun

You can see examples from other cooler mash tun on this site or youtube.