Flexible Glycol Lines

[stevepeterson]

Does anyone have experience with flexible glycol lines running from PVC to the fermenters? I've seen some bigger San Diego breweries using them, looking for recommendations!

Steve

[jimvgjr]

Hi Steve,

In the wineries it is real common to see industrial hose, nitrile with braided reinforcement- any specialty/industrial hose supplier should be able to provide some options.

We are also seeing many customers use PEX Tubing (and have been very happy with performance) for the drops from their main headers. I've not confirmed personally, but have been told the specifications of the PEX tubing fit the application well. I guess that's the key, confirm from whoever you source from that the tubing is rated for 25-30 F Propylene Glycol/Water Mixture.

Good Luck,

Jim
Pro Chiller Systems

[gitchegumee]

Pvc?

I would not use PVC, although I have several times. You will end up replacing it soon and likely your glycol with it. As I have done before. This might sound attractive in a startup situation, but you will regret it when you are trying to service a growing number of accounts and have to tell them that you are shut down for a week to replace your glycol system. I don't see any economy in that. I am now using a flexible stainless steel product called wrinkle tube. Don't know where to get it where you are. And I'm not certain of the long-term performance of this. But it is inexpensive and fairly easy to use. Again, I have no idea where to get it where you are, sorry.

[Matt Dog]

We use Gates Adaptaflex hose to drop from the mains to the tanks. Works well. I see people using braided vinyl and pex.


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[604M]

I've used braided vinyl for a number of years. It works well. Just keep in mind that it becomes pretty stiff with the glycol running through it. Use quality clamps and fittings, or it can leak.

[Starcat]

Options

I would not use PVC, although I have several times. You will end up replacing it soon and likely your glycol with it. As I have done before. [ATTACH]17313[/ATTACH]This might sound attractive in a startup situation, but you will regret it when you are trying to service a growing number of accounts and have to tell them that you are shut down for a week to replace your glycol system. I don't see any economy in that. I am now using a flexible stainless steel product called wrinkle tube. Don't know where to get it where you are. And I'm not certain of the long-term performance of this. But it is inexpensive and fairly easy to use. Again, I have no idea where to get it where you are, sorry.

Phillip, outstanding Mechanical work. Beautiful.

You can also use Old School Rubber Heater hose for drops as gotten from automotive supply. EG, 1".

[CharlosCarlies]

We use Gates Adaptaflex hose to drop from the mains to the tanks. Works well. I see people using braided vinyl and pex.

That Adaptaflex looks pretty nice. How are connections made? Just a barb and worm clamps or?

We used 1" PEX, and while it's worked well for us, we bought 100' rolls and it was a royal PITA to straighten/bend into the shape we wanted. The crimp connections were a piece of cake and we've had zero leaks (so far...knocks on wood), but we're about to add some tanks and might consider a different option next time.

[Bainbridge]

We run 3/4" braided vinyl to our 10's and 20's. Works like a treat. Connection is a brass barb and two worm clamps. Easy.

[gitchegumee]

Thanks Warren. Uh, well wish I could take credit for this work, but that's our plumber's. Actually I'm going to instruct him (as well as future installations) not to use teflon tape. It is too easily misused. Systems get thrown together too quickly without as much care. Again, what's quick and expedient up front usually comes back later to haunt and the real value is seen in the long term cost of ownership. Not quickly done now. I think that a first rate compound like Loctite, etc. can make a more sound system with fewer leaks out of the gate.

[woohokie]

Our little 7bbl fermenters and brites are fed with a 2" header and 1" braided vinyl tubing. We've been happy thus far, but PEX was a serious contender also.

[Gunrunner]

Spa Hose. It flexes and can bend and has an insulating factor to it. It can be a bit expensive but have seen it used in some large scale breweries. I will be switching to it when I change mine out or add tanks.


Our premium grade PVC Flex Hose is ideal for plumbing and repairs to hot tubs, spas, and pools.

Manufactured from high quality virgin PVC
Less fitting required compared to rigid pipe
Flexible PVC wall and cover for ease of use
Rigid PVC spiral resists crushing and impact
Temperature range -10 to 150F
Flexible for easy handling and installation
FDA non-toxic formulation in compliance
Use with PVC solvent cements and cleaners

[d_striker]

I used pex tubing as dropdowns from our abs headers. Working good so far.

As someone mentioned, it can be pain straightening from a roll but nothing major. The positives of working with pex is that there are virtually endless termination options all of which are easily and securely crimped with the proper tool.

One benefit to its rigidity is that it is easily insulated with those 6' sections of pipe foam from lowes/hd.

The stuff is also pretty affordable.

[stevepeterson]

Braided vinyl

We run 3/4" braided vinyl to our 10's and 20's. Works like a treat. Connection is a brass barb and two worm clamps. Easy.

Thanks for the suggestion! Will this hole temperature for a 12' run from our main line to our fermenters? Everything else is insulated, do we need to insulate braided vinyl?

Thanks!

[TGTimm]

.... Actually I'm going to instruct him (as well as future installations) not to use teflon tape. It is too easily misused. Systems get thrown together too quickly without as much care. Again, what's quick and expedient up front usually comes back later to haunt and the real value is seen in the long term cost of ownership. Not quickly done now. I think that a first rate compound like Loctite, etc. can make a more sound system with fewer leaks out of the gate.

Yep. I've learned to avoid Teflon tape whenever possible. Not only does it tend to make one careless, but tiny bits break loose in the system, causing diaphragm-type solenoid valves to leak and clogging anything cloggable. Additionally, I've found it's an absolute dirt magnet in the brewery. Trube and hops stick to it like Velcro, making a nasty black uncleanable blob around every joint.

I now use Loc-tite 542 on all metal-to-metal joints. Positive seal every time, and it's also a thread locker which is great in situations where vibration can work a joint loose. It does require some heat to disassemble, but not too much--a soldering iron works fine.

[d_striker]

Thanks for the suggestion! Will this hole temperature for a 12' run from our main line to our fermenters? Everything else is insulated, do we need to insulate braided vinyl?

Thanks!

Anything you use that is uninsulated will sweat.