Metallurgy

[jeezlebarf]

Is it ok to use copper push-fit fittings inside the boiler? It's come to my attention that they have solder inside them so surely they must leach when placed in a boil of 1 1/2hours? Compression fittings also might leach zinc, so I'm told. DZR fittings might be the thing. What do others use? My hop filter is a copper pipe with requisite holes drilled in it, rather than a false bottom.

 

[PD]

most folks use it without problems, although copper is a poison,


just offer a little prayer to any beer gods listening when you brew..... :lol:

 

[graysalchemy]

Zinc is a nutrient for yeast. :whistle: :whistle:

 

[Moley]

Copper push-fit fittings won't contain solder but may contain rubber o-rings, so I don't know how they would stand up in a boiler.

If using end feed copper fittings then you can buy lead-free solder for use in potable applications. I don't know what they put in solder ring fittings, but that's what I've used inside my plastic mash tun and aluminium boiler.

 

[jonnymorris]

My steel braid hop filter is cable tied to a copper T which fits on to the copper pipe that connects to the tap on the outside. It's not a compression fitting or even soldered in place which enables me to slip it and the filter off to clean. Could you not do something similar, i.e. forget about fixing the joints in place?

I have a copper manifold in my mash tun using the same principle... i.e. it comes apart when required.

 

[asd]

Hi,

I also just use a push-fit hop filter - makes it easier to clean as well as being easier to make!

Simon.

 

[graysalchemy]

Copper is beneficial in the kettle as it assists the maillard reaction which helps colour the beer. :thumb:

 

[Fil]

fyi i use a ss braid jubilee clipped to short 15mm copper tubes pushed into an end feed (solder on type with no solder) T at the bottom of the internal syphon down tube.