Peracetic Acid & copper?

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Mulitpleg
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Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2010 1:16 am

Peracetic Acid & copper?

Post by Mulitpleg »

I have a small reflux still with a brass fitting soldered in place that acts as the catchment in the reflux column. The maker doesn't pickle the brass to delead it. The brass he uses meets Australian standards for drinking water connections and he uses lead-free solder. After about 10 runs I can run my finger on the brass bits and get a lead coloured / black residue on my finger. I'm thinking this is suboptimal.

I can pull the still apart and pickle the other couple of brass bits. But the only way to treat the little catchment fitting would be to desolder it. I don't have the tools nor any soldering experience.

Or I could soak the whole column in peracetic acid (hydrogen peroxide + vinegar). I suspect peracetic acid is not good for copper but wanted to check.

I suppose I could go to a local radiator repair place and see if they'd tin the brass bits with lead-free solder.

Any thoughts or advice?
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