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S.F.B.
12-03-2003, 11:15 AM
Okay, I have decided to try my hand at all-grain. I have already got my Gott cooler for the mash tun. I plan to purchase a false bottom and one of those sparge arms from the local shop. I can get any tubing I need at my job. However, the article I read on converting the cooler said to use a stainless steel close nipple for the bulhead. Is there any reason that brass wouldn't work? Pros/cons?

TIA
bierboy
12-03-2003, 01:02 PM
Brass will work just fine.
OldHooky
12-03-2003, 04:29 PM
I have the Gott cooler setup for the mash tun. It works great as long as you drain the wort and sparge very slow. The first time I used it, I got a stuck sparge. It holds the temperature very stable. Good luck.
brewmonkey
12-03-2003, 04:59 PM
The deal with using brass is the lead content of it. The acidic nature of the wort could eat away at the copper and lead to more lead exposure.
S.F.B.
12-03-2003, 07:01 PM
Originally posted by brewmonkey
The deal with using brass is the lead content of it. The acidic nature of the wort could eat away at the copper and lead to more lead exposure.

Sooooo, are we talking eating lead based paint exposure or what? For the money I think I can take the chance. Maybe replace fittings on occasion. Possibly just not worry about it since I won't be serving my beer to any small children.
toneyc
12-04-2003, 06:01 AM
From John Palmer's HowToBrew site, Appendix B:

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 5-10 minutes 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.

:)
Toney.