My element's gone green!

[guypettigrew]

The element in my Brupaks boiler lost it's shiny covering ages ago. But now the copper has gone green.

It's only used as a hot liquor tank, the real boiler is a Buffalo.

Should I worry about the green element? If so, what should I do about it?

Thanks.

Guy

[Chug]

Its just natural oxidisation of the copper, I wouldn't worry about it for the short amount of time the liquour is in there it wont harm it, and if you want it clean then a bit of gentle elbow grease is required with some fine wire wool.

[Brewedout]

Green on the copper is probably copper carbonate. This is harmful. I take the viewpoint green should go. Others may disagree.

[IPA]

The element in my Brupaks boiler lost it's shiny covering ages ago. But now the copper has gone green.

It's only used as a hot liquor tank, the real boiler is a Buffalo.

Should I worry about the green element? If so, what should I do about it?

Thanks.

Guy

When I lived not far from you in Kent I had a similar problem. All heating elements became encrusted with a thick green calcium deposit. The old guy who used to check for water leaks in the mains supply said that it was due to the water coming from deep boreholes near the South Downs.

[guypettigrew]

Thanks all.

Playing safe would seem to be the best bet. The HLT is in use at the moment for today's brew, but it will get a good scrubbing once the day is done.

Guy

[Chug]

Some lemon juice will help soften it and make it easier to remove with wire wool.