getting rid of verdigris

[Newtons Shed]

Hi,

I have an old plate chiller that has not been used for some time that I am looking to start to re use again. I've flushed sterilising fluide through it (wpv?) and hot water as blocked with hops, I've noticed around the screw threads a bluish colour and reading John Palmer How to brew and given the ports are copper I'm guessing its verdigris John Palmer suggestes using vinegar or oxalic acid based cleansers like revereware - what's the best thing to use and do I flush it through or just use it to clean the outside?

I also have some brass fittings is it worth soaking these in a mix of vinegar and hydrogen proxide to remove the surface lead or are they ok just to use as is as designed to be used in drinking water fittings or does it react more with wort going through it?

Thanks
Andy

 

[jonnymorris]

what's the best thing to use and do I flush it through or just use it to clean the outside?

Palmer suggests you should flush it through with Star San though other sanitisers are available. Little point just cleaning the outside.

I also have some brass fittings is it worth soaking these in a mix of vinegar and hydrogen proxide to remove the surface lead or are they ok just to use as is as designed to be used in drinking water fittings or does it react more with wort going through it?

Wort is mildly acidic so is more likely to leach out any lead in your brass. I treated mine just to be sure.

 

[Newtons Shed]

Thanks will stuff like star stan be ok to use on copper as says dont use on soft metal didn't want to damage it? Just had a quick look how much? £13.20 Is there any equivelent I'm used to paying about £5 for VWP would costic soda or anything like that work?

Did you soak the brass fittings before fitting or fit then run the vinegar and hydro proxide through the system and agin will this damage other metals?

Thanks agan Andy

 

[mojonojo]

Thanks will stuff like star stan be ok to use on copper as says dont use on soft metal didn't want to damage it? Just had a quick look how much? £13.20 Is there any equivelent I'm used to paying about £5 for VWP would costic soda or anything like that work?

Did you soak the brass fittings before fitting or fit then run the vinegar and hydro proxide through the system and agin will this damage other metals?

Thanks agan Andy

Starsan is very concentrated, you use it at a level of 1.5ml per litre so 150ml =100litres of cleaner so the 16oz bottle would make over 300litres of sanitiser.