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BREWERDLUX
08-01-2006, 10:05 AM
Hey folks..... Has anyone ever used stainless tubing for their counterflow chiller? Lokks like I can get stainless for about $1.25 per foot and that is cheaper than copper now days. Was just concerned about the heat transfer. Think it would be the same or at least would it be in the ballpark. Any info would help.
HogieWan
08-01-2006, 01:51 PM
stainless SUCKS for heat transfer. You could do it if you used a LOT of tubing - like over 50'.
gone_fishing
08-01-2006, 05:39 PM
doesn't it also suck for bending, esp into a coil?
I'mRocketMan
08-01-2006, 05:51 PM
The SS tubing bends OK, but it is *LOUSY* for heat xfer. (20+ years in the space business) NO COMPARISON to copper.
Good Luck!

Cheers! Rocket
gone_fishing
08-01-2006, 06:53 PM
JUST as a question... how about aluminum tubing...heat transfer of aluminum is real good, correct?
jjpm74
08-01-2006, 07:36 PM
Copper is the best type of coil to use for heat transfer IMO.
gone_fishing
08-01-2006, 08:32 PM
Just found a chart... only two things on the chart conduct heat better than copper... diamond and silver. I'm thinking copper is cheaper than either of those. And, I was wrong, aluminum is only about half as good at conducting heat as copper.
toneyc
08-02-2006, 05:53 AM
Thanks, Gone_Fishing, I had been wondering that same thing.

:)
Toney.
O2 Mash
08-02-2006, 08:28 AM
Originally posted by gone_fishing
only two things on the chart conduct heat better than copper... diamond and silver.

A diamond chip wort chiller.......hmmmmmm. I like it.
Mad Scientist
08-02-2006, 01:10 PM
Originally posted by gone_fishing
Just found a chart... only two things on the chart conduct heat better than copper... diamond and silver. I'm thinking copper is cheaper than either of those. And, I was wrong, aluminum is only about half as good at conducting heat as copper.

At trhe rate things are going these days, copper might surpass silver in price. But I'll warn you that silver is uber reactive, this coming from a former jewler
BREWERDLUX
08-03-2006, 09:48 AM
Thanx for all the good posts.... I was trying to be a cheap ass and get by for less cash. $75.00 for a 30' roll of copper....I have heard of people using stainless tubing for a HLT heat exchanger, but never have seen a chiller. Thanx....
Payson
08-03-2006, 10:08 AM
www.morebeer.com has a 50' immersion chiller with 1/2" ID for $70.00 currently. (Free shipping too!) Fittings included. I doubt seriously you could make one for that!
HogieWan
08-07-2006, 11:52 AM
Try to find a used chiller. A lot of people moved on to better chillers or quit brewing. Not only would it be cheaper because it's used, but they bought the copper when it was MUCH cheaper.
danno
08-07-2006, 02:12 PM
sheesh, I didn't realize copper was so expensive... for $10 more ($85) you can get a Shirron plate chiller from NB...
HogieWan
08-07-2006, 03:38 PM
Originally posted by danno
sheesh, I didn't realize copper was so expensive... for $10 more ($85) you can get a Shirron plate chiller from NB...

Good Call!!!!
Halgarmeister
08-07-2006, 08:21 PM
Originally posted by O2 Mash
A diamond chip wort chiller.......hmmmmmm. I like it.

How many diamond "chips" must one buy the wife/girlfriend/significant other before being able to buy themselves a diamond encrusted wort chiller? LOL :D