Beer Forum

Hey all,

I am putting together a liquid level sensor to cycle my transfer punch. Using the same guts as Wort-O-Matic (http://www.wortomatic.com/articles/The-Liquid-Level-Doctor ) I would like to make it usable between different kettles. My question is this. Using solid core thhn copper wire will the pvc coating have any ill flavor affect in the finished product? I have noticed that on the wire there seems to be a thin clear plastic coating over the colored coating. I am thinking it shoud be OK but would like other opinions.

The copper wire will be used like this:

Starsan breaks down PVC (that's why it gets cloudy and slimy). I'm not sure if it is because of the acidity or some other chemical reaction. Beer is acidic, but you are not talking about a long soak in this application. It's also a relatively small amount of PVC vs the amount of wort. I think you'll be fine. You might want to keep an eye on it, and change the wires at any sign of cracking or slimyness.


Mylo

If I recall correctly, Charlie Talley talked about star san getting slimy when it's stored in plastic on the sanitation show. I believe he said it's not breaking down the plastic, it's just the soap coming out of solution.

stadelman wrote:If I recall correctly, Charlie Talley talked about star san getting slimy when it's stored in plastic on the sanitation show. I believe he said it's not breaking down the plastic, it's just the soap coming out of solution.

Not true. Otherwise, you could rinse the tubing and it would revert back to its original condition. The starsan is breaking down the PVC. Once you have left tubing in starsan too long it's ruined forever.


Mylo

Why not strip the jacket and avoid and possible issues?

Well, he needs SOME insulation on it - otherwise it isn't very effective to help you determine liquid level. There is probably another layer of insulation - maybe some rubber or silicone compound or something. You might just trade one problem for another. I think you'll be fine, as is.


Mylo

what about using a section of slicone tubing. I know my local ace hard ware carries the small tubing like is used on slingshots that should fit around the ends of the wires and sensors. Hell If you used that you could allways use zip ties to secure the ends.

Mylo wrote:Well, he needs SOME insulation on it - otherwise it isn't very effective to help you determine liquid level. There is probably another layer of insulation - maybe some rubber or silicone compound or something. You might just trade one problem for another. I think you'll be fine, as is.


Mylo

I don't understand why.

In the scenario of the low level switch, you will always have continuity (right probe in above drawing) when you are within your desired level. The circuit will open on a low level condition.

In the high level scenario you will never have continuity (left probe in above drawing) when you are within the desired level. The circuit will close on a high level condition.