bigljd
Well-Known Member
I'm planning to build a DIY counterflow chiller and was pricing things out at Home Depot on the way home from work. My first thought was using 3/8" copper tubing for the inner, and a 1/2" copper outer shell, but copper is pretty pricey so I looked around and saw the PEX pipe. For $7.85 for 25' of 1/2"ID tubing, I believe it's cheaper than most garden hose, especially the rubber heat resistant type, and much cheaper than 1/2" copper.
Would it work to run 3/8" copper tubing thru the 1/2" PEX pipe?
I do plan to run boiling wort through the counterflow chiller with my pump for 5-10 minutes to sanitize the copper before turning on the water, so I'm pushing PEX's 200 degree rating by a few degrees. I also think PEX may be tougher to uncoil to push or pull the copper through, and tougher to coil it up very tightly after the copper is in, but that doesn't bother me to much if I have a larger diameter coil.
Google couldn't find me anyone else who has tried this - is there a reason why people aren't doing it?
This resilient SharkBite 1/2 in. x 25 ft. PEX Pipe can withstand a minimum working temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Strong, flexible cross-linked polyethylene construction
SharkBite imprint pattern provides a visual aid for easy assembly with SharkBite push-fit fittings (not included) without the use of costly tools
White color
Maximum working pressure of 160 psi
Minimum working temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum working temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit
Compatible with SharkBite push-fit fittings or barbed fittings (not included)
For a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing applications including potable water systems
Actual inside diameter (in.) : 0.5
Actual outside diameter (in.) : 0.63
Assembled Depth (in.) : 29 in
Assembled Height (in.) : 29 in
Assembled Width (in.) : 6 in
Would it work to run 3/8" copper tubing thru the 1/2" PEX pipe?
I do plan to run boiling wort through the counterflow chiller with my pump for 5-10 minutes to sanitize the copper before turning on the water, so I'm pushing PEX's 200 degree rating by a few degrees. I also think PEX may be tougher to uncoil to push or pull the copper through, and tougher to coil it up very tightly after the copper is in, but that doesn't bother me to much if I have a larger diameter coil.
Google couldn't find me anyone else who has tried this - is there a reason why people aren't doing it?
This resilient SharkBite 1/2 in. x 25 ft. PEX Pipe can withstand a minimum working temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Strong, flexible cross-linked polyethylene construction
SharkBite imprint pattern provides a visual aid for easy assembly with SharkBite push-fit fittings (not included) without the use of costly tools
White color
Maximum working pressure of 160 psi
Minimum working temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum working temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit
Compatible with SharkBite push-fit fittings or barbed fittings (not included)
For a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing applications including potable water systems
Actual inside diameter (in.) : 0.5
Actual outside diameter (in.) : 0.63
Assembled Depth (in.) : 29 in
Assembled Height (in.) : 29 in
Assembled Width (in.) : 6 in