Suitable Pipework Materials - Polybutylene?

[Nick T]

Does anyone know if polybutylene pipe is suitable for use with hot wort? This is the grey plastic pipe that is commonly used for piping water in a household system. Temperature should not be a problem for it, but will there be unwanted chemical reactions with the wort...?

[Sparky]

Hi Denim
I've just tested my new Mash Tun (looks similar to yours) and got good results. I've made a jacket for mine that I can slip on & off as required. Lost approx 1 deg grain temp in 60 mins and 1st time I have achieved the desired temp when doing an infusion.

The jacket is made up using a Mega 10 Silver lined camping ground sheet. I am going to put a second wrap around it and have used aluminium tape around the edges for water proofing and to hold it together.

The piece left over after the wrap I have used to insulate the bottom as I don't have a burner underneath.

Got the steel on Friday to build my stand, however I still have some thinking to do.

Nice work you have done there.

Cheers

Oh Sorry to hijack the original thread, I changed from a chillybin Mash tun to Stainless after noting that a grain smell had permeated the tun. I had a plastic (grey polybutene?) sparge setup that I was unsure if it was contributing to some off flavours as some plastics can do. Currently using food grade hose and will likely go to silicon once I find out a bit more info.

Cheers