Hi all,
I am building between at least one but as many as 3 "T" style 2 tap black pipe tap towers using 2" pipe for my new keezer and am looking for some advice that most/all of the threads, blogs, and posts don't cover. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone ranging from newly built to those who have had their black pipe towers for a while.
I am building this 2 taps at a time instead of a big 6 tap tower so that I can slowly add capacity and learn from past experiences. Also I'm considering attempting a polished copper tap tower but might be a pipe dream....
Anyway. Here are my questions :
1. I plan on using 1.5" copper pipe inside for cooling and adding insulation between the copper and black pipe. Any thoughts on using spray foam vs the wrap-around insulation?
2. I have read of rust issues on the surface of the black pipe. What has been successful in dealing with or preventing the rust? Any experience with the Rustoleum rust inhibitor https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...ikqOAQ5OSo1rTrIVoe4aAhdiEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
vs the Rustoleum High Performance wheel clear coat
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...loss-Clear-Wheel-Spray-Paint-248929/205751548
3. What size thread are most tap shanks? What size bushing would work best? I have read both drilling and retapping smaller (1/2 or 3/4" to 2" reducer bushings) to directly thread the shank or using 1" to 2" reducers and sandwiching the shank in with washers and a nut on the shank. I have easy access to 3/4 and 1" bushings
4. What height of nipple seems to be most versatile between the floor flange and the T fitting? I see 6 and 10" commonly in posts but my local Menards only stocks 6 & 12". 6 seems too short and 12 seems very tall, although it does fit a gallon growler with plenty of room.
5. Is a single fan to circulate air enough to keep the copper cold and prevent foaming? Or is a dedicated blower for each tap a better solution? I'm toying with an idea in my head using 1 fan and pvc to send cold air to all 3 towers.
6. What have you done to prep the pipe before assembly and how has it worked out? Nothing? Wash with soap and water? I have even seen one post that used some sort of navy/marine cleaner that seemed to completely strip off the black.
7. Is Teflon tape the best route for the threads?
I am building between at least one but as many as 3 "T" style 2 tap black pipe tap towers using 2" pipe for my new keezer and am looking for some advice that most/all of the threads, blogs, and posts don't cover. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone ranging from newly built to those who have had their black pipe towers for a while.
I am building this 2 taps at a time instead of a big 6 tap tower so that I can slowly add capacity and learn from past experiences. Also I'm considering attempting a polished copper tap tower but might be a pipe dream....
Anyway. Here are my questions :
1. I plan on using 1.5" copper pipe inside for cooling and adding insulation between the copper and black pipe. Any thoughts on using spray foam vs the wrap-around insulation?
2. I have read of rust issues on the surface of the black pipe. What has been successful in dealing with or preventing the rust? Any experience with the Rustoleum rust inhibitor https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...ikqOAQ5OSo1rTrIVoe4aAhdiEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
vs the Rustoleum High Performance wheel clear coat
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...loss-Clear-Wheel-Spray-Paint-248929/205751548
3. What size thread are most tap shanks? What size bushing would work best? I have read both drilling and retapping smaller (1/2 or 3/4" to 2" reducer bushings) to directly thread the shank or using 1" to 2" reducers and sandwiching the shank in with washers and a nut on the shank. I have easy access to 3/4 and 1" bushings
4. What height of nipple seems to be most versatile between the floor flange and the T fitting? I see 6 and 10" commonly in posts but my local Menards only stocks 6 & 12". 6 seems too short and 12 seems very tall, although it does fit a gallon growler with plenty of room.
5. Is a single fan to circulate air enough to keep the copper cold and prevent foaming? Or is a dedicated blower for each tap a better solution? I'm toying with an idea in my head using 1 fan and pvc to send cold air to all 3 towers.
6. What have you done to prep the pipe before assembly and how has it worked out? Nothing? Wash with soap and water? I have even seen one post that used some sort of navy/marine cleaner that seemed to completely strip off the black.
7. Is Teflon tape the best route for the threads?
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