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Posted 34 days ago.
I have been burned on some stuff from aliexpress... really never been happy with the 'generic' stainless stuff. I bought some so-called stainless Tri-Clamps that turned out to be chromed brass - survived only 2 soaks in StarSan. It is just so easy for them to cheat.
Posted 34 days ago.
I am leaning towards Brewers Hardware, they are affordable but seem to be good quality.
Thoughts on gaskets? White vs black vs clear?
I think they are all different materials.
Posted 34 days ago.
Posted 34 days ago.
I haven't seen them cheaper anywhere where I could trust the quality (not ebay/aliexpress etc..)
Is this what you use?http://www.brewershardware.com/1.5-Tri-Clover-Gasket-Buna-N.html
Brewer's Hardware claims that EPDM is the best thing to go with for homebrewers. Buna is only useful for fermentation side according to them.
Silicone: Silicone brewery gaskets have a very wide temperature range of -58F to 446F making them suitable for a wide range of applications and great for home brewing locations where they will be near flame or in heat wash. They are very flexible and relatively soft making them easy to work with and seal. They can get gummy over time when used with strong acids and caustics in commercial applications. Silicone brewery gaskets are translucent clear.
EPDM: EPDM brewery gaskets have a narrower temperature range than silicone (-30F to 300F) but stand up to stronger acids and caustics than silicone making them more desirable in commercial applications and excellent for home brewery applications. EPDM brewery gaskets are relatively soft, easy to seal and probably the best all around choice for any application that doesn't need to live close to a flame source. EPDM brewery gaskets are black.
PTFE: PTFE Teflon brewery gaskets have the widest temperature range (-100F to 500F) and are also the hardest making them ideal for locations that need to rotate against each other like racking arms. (Never rotate or loosen a connection that is holding back hot liquid!) Being hard, they are somewhat more difficult to get a good seal. PTFE brewery gaskets are solid white.
BUNA-N: BUNA-N brewery gaskets have a fairly narrow temperature range (-30F to 200F) but remain flexible across that range and seal well. They do not do well with acid (Star-San is fine) or caustic cleaners and should be kept away from UV light where they can oxidize. BUNA-N brewery gaskets are a good choice for the fermentation side of a brewery where their low cost makes them nearly disposable. Black in color.
Posted 34 days ago.
Posted 34 days ago.