It is currently Mon May 20, 2013 8:03 pm

All times are UTC - 8 hours





Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: cleaning a copper chiller
PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 12:04 pm 
 Profile

Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2008 8:41 am
Posts: 2839
Just noticed some heavy black oxidation marks AND some blue-green verdigris (toxic, yum!) on my copper immersion chiller. Was planning on boiling it in some distilled white vinegar and water solution. I understand that this will remove the oxidative layer on the surface of the copper making it nice and shiny. Two questions:

1. Does anyone know what ratio to use for the vinegar/water solution?

2. How do I get that nice oxidative layer back on my chiller before using it in my wort imparting a metallic taste to my next brew?
( I have read that 350F in an oven for 10 minutes after cleaning it will help to build up that good layer again...is this true?)


Top
 

 Post subject: Re: cleaning a copper chiller
PostPosted: Wed Jul 11, 2012 3:39 pm 
Global Moderator
User avatar
 WWW  Profile

Joined: Thu Jun 03, 2010 2:09 pm
Posts: 3878
Location: Ohio
Medals: 2
Drunk of the Week (2)
http://www.howtobrew.com/section1/chapter2-2-2.html

I wouldn't worry about part 2.

_________________
Spiderwrangler
PFC, Arachnid Deployment Division

In the cellar: Galaxy Pale, Citra Pale, Honey Common
In the fermentor: Cat Yakk Saison
In the works: Wooden Cider


Top
 

 Post subject: Re: cleaning a copper chiller
PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 2:21 pm 
 Profile

Joined: Tue May 08, 2012 12:16 pm
Posts: 30
spiderwrangler wrote:


I would think that a soak in an acid sanitizer like Star San would work almost as well as boiling it in vinegar. It might be cheaper and probably wouldn't smell up the house as much. That chapter from How to Brew that Spider posted recommends using it to clean copper. I use my old Star San solution to shine up my copper saucepan.


Top
 

 Post subject: Re: cleaning a copper chiller
PostPosted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 8:27 pm 
User avatar
 Profile

Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2007 5:27 pm
Posts: 3932
Location: North Bend, WA
Medals: 1
Drunk of the Week (1)
You want to make sure you get all that green shit off.

_________________
-B'Dawg
"Lunch Meat. It's an acquired taste....." -- Mylo


Top
 

 Post subject: Re: cleaning a copper chiller
PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2012 5:09 am 
 Profile

Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2008 8:41 am
Posts: 2839
Ended up boiling it in a quick water/vinegar solution for 5 minutes. Came out nice and shiny. Noticed that the dullness of the copper (oxidized layer) has returned this morning along with what appears to be some "oily" sheen marks that do not wipe away. Hope those are okay....


Top
 

 Post subject: Re: cleaning a copper chiller
PostPosted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:43 pm 
User avatar
 Profile

Joined: Sun Sep 20, 2009 4:14 pm
Posts: 1877
Location: Bozeman, Montana
I use the same mix I use for the monthly coffee machine cleaning, 1/3 distilled white vinegar, 2/3 distilled water.

The outer layer of copper takes less than a second to oxidize. It's a real pain in the ass if you're trying to build a radio antenna with it or trying to get solder to stick to it for any other reason. That tiny bit of oxidation isn't going to hurt your brew however. The colorful shit, however....

_________________
Lee

:bnarmy: BN Army // 13th Mountain Division :bnarmy:


Top
 

Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 8 hours



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  

Powered by phpBB © 2009 phpBB Group