Help with DIY wort boiler

[adamski20]

Hi Folks

I'm in the process of making a DIY wort boiler out of a fermenting bin, kettle elements etc. I've seen a lot of people talk about using HDPE (high density polyethylene) fermenting bins to do this but the bin i have is PP (polypropolyne). My question is will the PP bin be suitable? According to wikipedia HDPE http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDPE has a melting point of 110c and PP http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene is about 160c.

However, the entry for HDPE says "HDPE has little branching, giving it stronger intermolecular forces and tensile strength than lower-density polyethylene. It is also harder and more opaque and can withstand somewhat higher temperatures (120 °C/ 248 °F for short periods, 110 °C /230 °F continuously). High-density polyethylene, unlike polypropylene, cannot withstand normally-required autoclaving conditions."

So what do you think, should I give it a bash with my PP bin or hold out for a HDPE bin?

[sparky Paul]

Polypropylene is a superior material for boilers, HPDE can get a bit soft.

You also have to consider the strength of the bin before considering using it as a boiler. You need something reasonably sturdy, some brewing bins are a little thin, and can get a bit floppy when up to boiling temperatures.

[adamski20]

Cool, I'm going to give it a bash then.