Brass v stainless

[cqout]

Hello

I am just finishing my brewery off and some of my connections are brass - i was just wondering about peoples thoughts of using brass? Should i change them to stainless or does it not really matter?

[darkonnis]

Doesn't make much, if any, difference. I know the fascination is with stainless but unless its a fermenter I wouldn't care all too much. That said, if it's the only upgrade you have left to do I'd be tempted.

[Piscator]

Hello

I am just finishing my brewery off and some of my connections are brass - i was just wondering about peoples thoughts of using brass? Should i change them to stainless or does it not really matter?

Brass is okay unless you want to use acidic cleaners or sanatisers which will eat it away.

Assuming this is just the HLT/MT/Boiler side we are talking about then the most of the usual oxy/PBW/VWP type cleaners will be fine.

If your fermenters are shiny with brass fittings steer clear of PAA and the like which will chew through the brass in short order.

Cheers
Steve

[alix101]

Brass is a fine material for brewing it will corrode with acid cleaner but stainless will to.
When two different metals are in contact you get galvanic corrosion and brass will deteriorate quicker than the stainless.
But the effects on beer in home brewing are virtually nil.
I did read somewhere about soaking brass fittings in vinegar and baking powder first to take off the oils and not to shine them when tarnished same applies to copper...just think how much copper has been used in brewing.