Can a heat exchanger be used as a wort chiller?

[smurfy]

Hi,
I have a spare heat exchanger which looks very similar to the plate wort chillers seen in the homebrew shops.

So the question is, can it be used as one?? :wha:

Thanks!

 

[aamcle]

All chillers are is heat exchangers so in theory yes but

Is it food grade?
Are the channels big enough for wort it's a bit more viscous than water.
What was it used for, are there any nasties lurking inside?

It would be a great help if you could strip it down and clean it.

Atb. Aamcle

 

[smurfy]

Its brand new, never used for anything.

It dosnt say if its food grade. pretty sure its made for industial heating/cooling

The specs are online but it wont let me post the link as im a new member but if you search its a ALFA LAVAL CBH18

:hmm:

 

[Fil]

http://www.alfalaval.com/solution-finde ... 0125EN.pdf

i can at least post a link

 

[Cononthebarber]

It dosnt say if its food grade. pretty sure its made for industial heating/cooling

It says its made of Stainless steel and copper, should be fine for food...and beer :)

 

[bobsbeer]

I would say try it. What have you got to loose?

 

[brewd]

the only potential problem would be the braze since it's being used for HVAC....if they aren't anticipating food products being used then the braze might not be lead free.