Lead content in brass fittings

[BlightyBrewer]

I am about to use my counterflow chiller. Do you think I should worry about the lead content in the brass fittings leaching into my wort? I have read somewhere that it is possible to remove the surface content of lead in brass fittings using a solution of hydrogen peroxide and distilled white vinegar.

Any thoughts, opinions on this, or is it one worry too far?

[BlightyBrewer]

Yeah, I thought I was worrying about nothing.

While I've got your attention DAAB, I got hold of some Soda Crystals and Betadine the other day. Can I use the Soda Crystals to clean the inside of my counterflow chiller? What mixture should I use?

I remember you saying that the Betadine should be mixed at a ratio of 1/2 tsp / L. What quantity do you mix up, and do you just swirl it around the fermenter and drain, or apply with a spray bottle?

Sorry for all the questions. :stun

[BlightyBrewer]

Thanks DAAB.

So what are your procedures and mixtures for using soda crystals to clean, and iodophor (Betadine) to sanitise?

[James]

QUOTE (Daft as a Brush @ Feb 12 2006, 11:57 AM)Firstly I always clean up after use to prevent crud drying on
That is the best and most effecive form of cleaning you can do, it's essential with a counterflow to clean it out straight after using it, otherwise you are asking for infection.

All other cleaning is then 'precautionary', as opposed to 'necassary'.

JC

[BlightyBrewer]

DAAB, I've got a question regarding your use of Betadine. I have read on the web that Iodophor (Betadine) is most effective at a concentration of 12.5 ppm. By my calcs, 12.5ppm is equivalent to 12.5 ml/L, and 12.5 ml is equivalent to 2.5 tspns. Are you using a strong enough solution?

I'm guessing that it may be something to do with the % iodine in solution, which must vary between Betadine and BTF Iodophor?? Can you shed any light on this?

Jim, I wanted to post a new thread on this topic, but couldn't find the best place for it. What do you think about having a "General Methods" forum for topics such as sanitation, methods etc..?

[Jim]

QUOTE (BlightyBrewer @ Feb 13 2006, 07:52 PM) Jim, I wanted to post a new thread on this topic, but couldn't find the best place for it. What do you think about having a "General Methods" forum for topics such as sanitation, methods etc..?
Sounds reasonable, BB. I'll have a think about how best to fit it in.

[Andy]

I found http://groups.google.com/group/rec.craf ... 1bd0750d1b thread but it's a tad confusing.

I used 0.5 tsp / litre which is what DaaB uses I believe.

[BlightyBrewer]

I'm just getting really confused now.

How did you get from 0.25g to 2.5 ml? That would require a density of 0.1 g/ml??

[Andy]

:huh:


1/2 tsp / litre it is then

[BlightyBrewer]

I've got it. I was using info from Papazian's book, which I think I have been using incorrectly (he uses ppm conversions BY MASS). Going back to basics:-

1 ml (cubic centimetre) in a cubic metre (1000 litres) = 1 ppm by volume, so 1/1000=0.001ml/L = 1ppm BY VOLUME.

12.5 ppm = 12.5 x 0.001 = 0.0125ml/L by volume. This assumes 100% active concentration.

We have 1% active concentration of iodine in betadine solution, therefore;

0.0125ml/L x 100 = 1.25ml/L for 12.5ppm Betadine solution in water by volume with 1% active concentration of iodine in Betadine solution.


:stun need a :beer

[Andy]

:huh:

[BlightyBrewer]

So in conclusion, DAAB was correct... :pink

For 12.5 ppm concentrations, 1.25ml/L (1/4 tspn / L)
For 25ppm concentrations, 2.5ml/L (1/2 tspn / L)

[BlightyBrewer]

It made me sweat writing it!