Galvanized steel tee and nipple for my pump?

Sat Mar 14, 2009 9:42 am

Hello -
I am getting my sculpture delivered today (It was welded by the dad-in law..heh, heh) -

My question is - I want to install a tee on the in part of my march pump, and do a set up like the b3 sculptures (as an air bleed-off valve) - I was at my hardware store this morning and all they had was galvanized steel tees and nipples - I went ahead and bought them, and plan to soak them overnight in hot PBW to get any residual oils off -

Is this type of steel suitable for brewing? Or do I have to get the stainless version?

Thanks -
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wood
 
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Re: Galvanized steel tee and nipple for my pump?

Sat Mar 14, 2009 5:27 pm

Get the stainless, bro. Your acidic wort might leach too much zinc from the galvanized.


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Re: Galvanized steel tee and nipple for my pump?

Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:28 pm

Definitely DO NOT use the galvanized stuff. While not much zinc will leach out into your beer each batch, you do not want the stuff building up in your system as you drink the beer. If you can't find/afford stainless fittings, go with brass fittings. Those are much easier to find and cheaper besides. You will want to "pickle" them first. John Palmer explains the process in How to Brew.
Cleaning Brass

Some brewers use brass fittings in conjunction with their wort chillers or other brewing equipment and are concerned about the lead that is present in brass alloys. A solution of two parts white vinegar to one part hydrogen peroxide (common 3% solution) will remove tarnish and surface lead from brass parts when they are soaked for 5 minutes or less at room temperature. The brass will turn a buttery yellow color as it is cleaned. If the solution starts to turn green and the brass darkens, then the parts have been soaking too long and the copper in the brass is beginning to dissolve, exposing more lead. The solution has become contaminated and the part should be re-cleaned in a fresh solution.


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Re: Galvanized steel tee and nipple for my pump?

Sat Mar 14, 2009 9:02 pm

Bugeater wrote:Definitely DO NOT use the galvanized stuff. While not much zinc will leach out into your beer each batch, you do not want the stuff building up in your system as you drink the beer. If you can't find/afford stainless fittings, go with brass fittings. Those are much easier to find and cheaper besides. You will want to "pickle" them first. John Palmer explains the process in How to Brew.
Cleaning Brass

Some brewers use brass fittings in conjunction with their wort chillers or other brewing equipment and are concerned about the lead that is present in brass alloys. A solution of two parts white vinegar to one part hydrogen peroxide (common 3% solution) will remove tarnish and surface lead from brass parts when they are soaked for 5 minutes or less at room temperature. The brass will turn a buttery yellow color as it is cleaned. If the solution starts to turn green and the brass darkens, then the parts have been soaking too long and the copper in the brass is beginning to dissolve, exposing more lead. The solution has become contaminated and the part should be re-cleaned in a fresh solution.


Wayne


Geez - I totally remember this from How to Brew - didn't John also have a metals show on Brew Strong as well? Thanks to both of you for the info - I shall get stainless when I find it.
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wood
 
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Re: Galvanized steel tee and nipple for my pump?

Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:33 pm

morebeer has them. Brass is ok to use but stainless is best.
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Re: Galvanized steel tee and nipple for my pump?

Sun Mar 15, 2009 6:46 pm

I remember hearing on one of the shows that the German Brewers use a Zinc stirrer because they can't add zinc for the yeast due to the Reinheitsgebot.
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Re: Galvanized steel tee and nipple for my pump?

Sun Mar 15, 2009 8:03 pm

BDawg wrote:I remember hearing on one of the shows that the German Brewers use a Zinc stirrer because they can't add zinc for the yeast due to the Reinheitsgebot.



I wouldn't be surprised.

Since I am not German, and don't follow the Reinheitsgebot, I won't try to add any zinc to my beer (or poison) via galvanized steel....

prost!
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wood
 
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Re: Galvanized steel tee and nipple for my pump?

Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:21 pm

Servomyces can get zinc into your brew while still following the Reinheitsgebot. It's cheating no more than chit malt or the numerous other tricks the German brewers pull. Wyeast grows yeast in a nutrient rich environment so they take it up into their bodies, and then harvests the yeast. Technically you are just adding yeast to your beer.
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