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Hey, I'm gonna build another reflux column and I was wondering if it is safe to use the brass needle valves rather than the stainless one. I don't wan't to use it if it will retain the lead that is in it. Is it safe to use the brass valve?

I use a brass needle valve but pickle it every so often to keep the surface lead free... If you can afford SS needle valves, use them, but brass valves can be made safe...

What does the pickling process consist of?

doslaur wrote:What does the pickling process consist of?

Use 50/50 Hydrogen Peroxcide and vinegar. Turns your brass into gold, well, in color anyway...

Cool, I found a stainless needle valve, so I guess I'm gonna use this one.

Anyone know where to find a stainless needle valve in New Zealand?? I've only managed to find 1 (been doing ALOT of searching) and it was $140! I know they are not cheap but man!!

Dont really want to have to buy oversea's if I dont have to.

Hoody

Samohon wrote:Use 50/50 Hydrogen Peroxcide and vinegar.

For no more than 15 minutes.


OD

Yeah time is a facter the first time I pickled I left it for a long time and it turned kinda brown and etched the surface.

go to http://www.watts.com and see all of the brass fittings and valves you can now get without lead. Watts supplies all of the Lowes stores here in the US. If you donthave a lowes closeby there is a great "where to buy" tab on the website that will put you in touch with your local sales rep. i plan on contacting the sales rep for this area to find out how to tell which valves are lead free. i say this because certain models listed say "lead free available" so be sure you are buying lead free and dont just assume its lead free because its made by watts.

The lead content is printed on the package, small text. I bought mine at lowes but its 026% lead exceeds Fed Standards for safe water use.So Yes they do have Lead free and I also will try contacting sales rep.
But with it being lead free is the brass the ok to use still? and can we just pickle what Lowes carries, its not lead free!

Thanks!
Dennis

Regarding Watts Needle Valve (lead free) I spoke with Sales Rep, he said they dont make any! I informed him yes they do and to check their own Web site as it is listed!
Then he said oh, The PN he gave was 17700024, which turns out to be A-4, well you still have to go through another rep! Dang! forget it Im going with the standard brass with 026% lead and pickle it. Until
someone here can find a suitable valve that can deliver drop by drop, Precise control, I was told it had to have a long taper, etc. What a pain! Someone on this forum should have a recommended valve
with Manufacturer and part number.
Dennis