Ask The Brewmasters

  • 1.  430 Stainless Steel in a Brewery

    Posted 01-17-2023 09:07
    Hello,

    I have a general question about the use of 430 grade stainless steel in a brewery setting.

    Is 430 grade stainless steel a suitable material for the steam exhaust stack on the boil kettle?

    -KT

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    Kyle Treadway
    Brewer
    Traum Brewing
    Upper Sandusky OH
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  • 2.  RE: 430 Stainless Steel in a Brewery

    Posted 01-17-2023 13:13
    Hi Kyle,

    430 stainless steel is not as corrosion resistant as 304 stainless steel. 430 has slightly less chromium but has very little nickel, (less than 1%) whereas 304 has 8.5-10.5% nickel.  I would be leery of using 430 for the exhaust stack application you mentioned since it is such a hot and humid environment.  I think you will have rust issues with it and you do not want that getting into the boiling wort.  Here is a link on the difference between 304 and 430 I think you may find helpful:


    Cheers!

    Dana

    --

    Dana Johnson

    Technical Director, Craft Brewing | Birko - A Diversey Company

    C: 720 346 1562

    P: 303 289 1090

    dana.johnson@diversey.com

     

    www.diversey.com

    www.birkocorp.com

    9152 Yosemite Street, Henderson, CO 80640

      

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  • 3.  RE: 430 Stainless Steel in a Brewery

    Posted 01-17-2023 21:27
    Hello Kyle,

    Seconding Dana.  Having overseen Brewkettle stack construction and operation on a larger scale, is not a good place to shave material costs.
    Those who install or modify the stack will be grateful that a weld-friendly austenitic stainless (i.e. 304) is selected over 430.  So will the Owners.

    David Ammons, PE
    former Brewing Engineering Manager, Retired

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    David Ammons
    Saint Louis MO

    ammfamd2@gmail.com
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