National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => All Grain Brewing => Topic started by: Fal on November 04, 2015, 07:37:15 PM

Title: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: Fal on November 04, 2015, 07:37:15 PM
I'm buildding my mash tun and was putting the copper manifold together when I noticed the ring of solder on the copper connections. Is this something I should worry about, are there solder free connections out there?
Title: Re: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: DEMPSEY on November 04, 2015, 08:18:55 PM
Yes there are solder free connections but if you have solder one's  already  then hold them in a vice grips and in a frame and the solder will fall  out.
Title: Re: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: DamienE on November 04, 2015, 10:20:48 PM
You can order the solderless tees & bends from the plumbing counter @ TJ Mahony in Ballymount
Title: Re: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: Fal on November 05, 2015, 08:25:16 AM
Thanks Dempsey, I'll give that a go first then if it doesn't work get solderless ones.
Title: Re: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: neoanto on November 05, 2015, 11:56:15 AM
I dont know how worried i would be about solder.
They no longer use lead or tin.
I think its a form of zinc thats used nowadays.
Title: Re: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: Pepin The Short on November 05, 2015, 12:05:50 PM
Is it brazed or soldered ? solder melts under 450c while brazing happens above 450c . These are clearly temps nobody will be using on here , but it will give you an idea of the metals used . If its a good clean braze you`re prob grand ? Or at least less chance of something leeching out into your brew .

"Should you Solder it or Braze it?"
https://ewi.org/should-you-solder-it-or-braze-it/ (https://ewi.org/should-you-solder-it-or-braze-it/)
Title: Re: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: Leann ull on November 05, 2015, 03:04:45 PM
Can you just burn these things until they just flow out?
Title: Re: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: DEMPSEY on November 05, 2015, 03:29:42 PM
Put some in the flame on my gas hob and it fell off within minutes.
Title: Re: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: Fal on November 05, 2015, 04:37:33 PM
It was when I soaked them in citric acid while cleaning up I noticed a white substance coming out. I haven't tried the vice grips yet, but it would be easy to put them over a gas ring and melt it off just in case.
Title: Re: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: Fal on November 05, 2015, 09:52:01 PM
Just finished removing the solder or whatever it was. 2 mins over the gas ring and it all melted of. Thanks all for help
Title: Re: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: Seemore on November 11, 2015, 01:26:27 PM
I assembled one recently and used the cooker to solder it all together.  Working a treat so far.

Title: Re: Solder on copper connections for mash tun
Post by: DEMPSEY on November 11, 2015, 02:06:14 PM
Quote from: Seemore on November 11, 2015, 01:26:27 PM
I assembled one recently and used the cooker to solder it all together.  Working a treat so far.
People usually like to be able to pull the copper pipes apart for easy cleaning :)