National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: imark on May 28, 2013, 08:55:03 PM

Title: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on May 28, 2013, 08:55:03 PM
Has anybody bought the SS 30cm false bottom from HBC? http://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/false-bottom-ss-30cm-diameter-p-1482.html (http://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/false-bottom-ss-30cm-diameter-p-1482.html)
Is it just the picture or are the bits in the center brass?
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Ciderhead on May 29, 2013, 12:19:32 AM
Looks like brass to me
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: fizzypish on May 29, 2013, 08:55:32 AM
Is there something wrong with brass?
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Garry on May 29, 2013, 02:42:41 PM
I was looking at another one here (http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ethe-home-brew-shop%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fStainless_Steel_Coupler%2ehtml&WD=false%20bottom&PN=Stainless_Steel_Domed_False_Bottom_Large%2ehtml%23a846193#a846193) which comes in a bit cheaper using parcel motel. This one looks like a stainless barb although I don't think brass would be a problem.

I'd like the Ikea tray idea but it would cost me 70 or 80€ to go up to Dublin for the day!

Did ye get the Igloo coolers? I ordered one over the weekend but they are out of stock! I'll have to wait another week or so.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on May 29, 2013, 05:32:38 PM
Yeah coolers arrived on Monday. Think a 30cm bottom will be perfect.
I don't like paying more for brass when there's stainless available at a similar price. I think I'll shell out for a good false bottom and SS ball valve at the right price.
Might strip parts of manifold and spigot from my old met in the meantime. Going to brew in this over the weekend. If it helps with thermals I'll be happy. If it improves efficiency I'll  e delighted
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on May 29, 2013, 05:38:20 PM
Quote from: Garry on May 29, 2013, 02:42:41 PM
I was looking at another one here (http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ethe-home-brew-shop%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fStainless_Steel_Coupler%2ehtml&WD=false%20bottom&PN=Stainless_Steel_Domed_False_Bottom_Large%2ehtml%23a846193#a846193) which comes in a bit cheaper using parcel motel. This one looks like a stainless barb
Nice one! I'm waiting on confirmation from.  Hbc that it's all SS. If it is I'll source elsewhere.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on May 30, 2013, 03:22:46 PM
Shane at thehomebrewcompany confirmed they're fully SS. The picture on the site is deceptive.

I've gone and ordered from them and should get it tomorrow.  8)
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Ciderhead on May 30, 2013, 03:28:04 PM
don't forget your member discount  :)
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on May 30, 2013, 04:32:40 PM
Quote from: Ciderhead on May 30, 2013, 03:28:04 PM
don't forget your member discount  :)
I didn't  ;D
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Padraic on May 30, 2013, 06:18:58 PM
Quote from: imark on May 30, 2013, 03:22:46 PM
Shane at thehomebrewcompany confirmed they're fully SS. The picture on the site is deceptive.

I've gone and ordered from them and should get it tomorrow.  8)

Any chance of a few pictures when it arrives?
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on May 30, 2013, 06:22:58 PM
No problem. I'll try and capture it in a few snaps.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on June 02, 2013, 04:17:53 PM
Was hoping to put this together today but couldn't find any 1/2" SS washers in b&q. :'(
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on June 02, 2013, 04:42:07 PM
Looked for brass washer 1/2" ID too. No joy. I need it to keep the silicone gasket tight.

Did you get yours finished yet?
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Shanna on June 02, 2013, 05:44:26 PM
Tube

Do you have a compression fitting where the 1/2" pipe is going in? If so would you consider using a length of ptfe tape? I have a right angle brass bend connected to a 1/2" pipe at the bottom of my mash tun.  The pipe runs along the bottom of the outside the tun and is connected via a chrome connector with a compression fitting in one side v and a threaded section on the other side that screws in to a stainless steel tap.  I had a few small leaks to begin with but about 1/2 foot of ptfe tape sorted it out. So far so good and if your concerned about nasties lurking in there you can I always take it apart remove,  clean and replace the tape.  The tape is high temp so should not present a problem as it also goes on the outside of the pipe and will have minimal contact with the wort.

Shanna
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Ciderhead on June 02, 2013, 05:57:02 PM
Decent plumbers merchants have brass compression washers to allow for interchangeability of fittings.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on June 04, 2013, 02:44:04 PM
Quote from: Il Tubo on June 02, 2013, 04:45:39 PM
Aye, mine is finished. Siphon effect doesn't really work as the 1/2" pipe isn't a snug fit in the tap. It's Irish half inch tho, and I may use UK half inch as it's a gee hair bigger, and I reckon I'm only a gee hair out.

Would a plastic half inch washer get you by?
Or maybe a rubber o ring? I bought a bag of epdm o rings on Sunday to get mine up and running. I'm not sure if they are food safe tho.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Ciderhead on June 04, 2013, 04:32:10 PM
If its a TPE it is, if its a TPV it isn't there is no way of tell unless you have it analysed. If it smells of rubber, dont use it :(
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on June 04, 2013, 04:39:00 PM
Quote from: Ciderhead on June 04, 2013, 04:32:10 PM
If its a TPE it is, if its a TPV it isn't there is no way of tell unless you have it analysed. If it smells of rubber, dont use it :(
That's the Vatican line too.  ;)
But seriously, I've used it this weekend. It's a black rubber smelling o-ring. How bad is it? Is the batch for the drain?

EDIT: Shite...looks like a potential cancer risk! Looks like that batch is headed for the bin. How are they selling this stuff in the plumbing section of B&Q?
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Shanna on June 04, 2013, 08:08:24 PM
In fairness most of those bog standard orings are not supposed to be used in a food application at high temp. If your using them in contact with boiling wort they need to be high temp food safe.

Shanna

Quote from: imark on June 04, 2013, 04:39:00 PM
Quote from: Ciderhead on June 04, 2013, 04:32:10 PM
If its a TPE it is, if its a TPV it isn't there is no way of tell unless you have it analysed. If it smells of rubber, dont use it :(
That's the Vatican line too.  ;)
But seriously, I've used it this weekend. It's a black rubber smelling o-ring. How bad is it? Is the batch for the drain?

EDIT: Shite...looks like a potential cancer risk! Looks like that batch is headed for the bin. How are they selling this stuff in the plumbing section of B&Q?
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on June 04, 2013, 08:49:02 PM
Maybe so. I'll replace with a silicone one anyway. Ordering up on eBay tonight.
Really pissed off about dumping the beer . Waste of a day and ingredients.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Ciderhead on June 05, 2013, 12:35:56 AM
1 batch will not kill you...sorry for your trouble!
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: johnrm on June 05, 2013, 01:23:57 AM
Don't dump it, keep it for the big homebrew fest!
Get silicon rings and do a side by side taste test.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on June 05, 2013, 02:42:29 PM
I'm confused now!  ::)
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Garry on June 05, 2013, 02:47:21 PM
Give it to the in-laws  ;D
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Ciderhead on June 05, 2013, 02:49:27 PM
you have put worse things than that in your mouth lurve, trust me, I had a summer job working in a factory making salads and coleslaw ;)
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on June 05, 2013, 03:09:28 PM
Like it!
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: johnrm on June 05, 2013, 03:46:37 PM
Cigarettes give you cancer.
Alcohol gives you cancer now.
Sunshine gives you cancer.
The toxins in the air we breathe.

Lets face it, we're all fucked, so may as well have a tasty brew.
Change the rings, rebrew and have a safer tasty brew.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: DEMPSEY on June 05, 2013, 05:31:17 PM
You know there is alot to be said for the comment "ignorance is bliss" :)
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on June 05, 2013, 06:29:09 PM
That's what the lads smoking woodbines in the asbestos factory said! But it does seem a shame to waste beer. Think I'll have a bbq and invite the awkward neighbours  ;)
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Covey on June 05, 2013, 11:04:20 PM
Whats with the scaremongering , im not toxicologist but i reckon its fine no need to replace. and certainly no need to dump the beer. Most are relatively inert after a good rinse i reckon.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on June 05, 2013, 11:13:39 PM
I'm going to bring this to Liffey Brewers meet in July. If I'm going down you're all coming with me.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: brenmurph on June 05, 2013, 11:25:18 PM
u dont get cancer from a rubber o-ring in your beer...nor do u get cancer from using a fermenter thats not food grade.

Most cancers related to smoking are after about 20 or 30 years of smoking ( half a million cigs) so you may have to make a half million batches of beer with them non food safe o-rings to get cancer  ;)

eat real food, exercise regularly and moderatly and keep stress minimised and a rubber o- ring or a half million of them will be no problem.

There are problems with some plastics and rubbers and other items and its not recomended to consume them. Theres also  major risk from trans fats and we all ( except me) consume them in significant amounts and the government does feck all about it. Id be more worried about the trans fats in the junk food and the shit sprayed onto cheap food and processed food and the toxins in todays animal produce from the supermarket..

So stop worryin about an o-ring ;D

Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Ciderhead on June 05, 2013, 11:28:32 PM
Quote from: Covey on June 05, 2013, 11:04:20 PM
Most are relatively inert after a good rinse i reckon.

If they are EPDM washers, they are cured with sulphur peroxide, this over time maintains the flexibility of the washer, but migrates to the surface. This is exacerbated with boiling and in extreme circumstances may even tint the flavour.
I think you have a point in that we have become a little paranoid about what we are brewing with.   
We want the beer to kill us not the products we use to make it.
Spend the few extra bob on the food approved washer.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Covey on June 05, 2013, 11:37:07 PM
ok so replace when you get a chance but dont let it stop you brewing and in the mean time RSBAHAHB
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Ciderhead on June 05, 2013, 11:52:57 PM
absolutely
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: Shanna on July 10, 2013, 10:12:40 AM
Hi iMark,

Any chance you could put up a few snaps of the false bottom please? Also would you confirm what is the outer diameter size the of the right angled bend that comes out of the bottom of the false bottom is please?

Thanks,

Shanna

Quote from: imark on May 30, 2013, 06:22:58 PM
No problem. I'll try and capture it in a few snaps.
Title: Re: 30cm SS false bottom for cooler
Post by: imark on July 15, 2013, 01:04:14 PM
Hi Shanna,

The right angle piece has a 3/8" or 10mm barbed fitting I think. I've it attached to some 8mm ID silicone tube so can't verify but it's a snug fit. The bottom has a 1/2" thread and comes with two nuts as in the pictures.

(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9833819/Pictures/P1010692_RW2.jpg)
(http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9833819/Pictures/2013-07-15%2012.54.10.jpg)