StillSmart

I've just finished a junkahol run on my modified boka, I had to make a seal between the VM take off and the boka section, I looked around for something silicone like a cup cake base that would do but the ones we had were quite small, anyway I used one to cover the section and then rapped it in cling film.



A nice pink one!

Afterwards when I took it off I thought why not just use cling film on its own in future, it didn't melt or leak, any thoughts on this?

I don't know what cling film is made of, but i'd wager its not alcohol safe. But it is on the outside of the column, to so the contact will be minimal.

I would use flour and water if stuck for something as it is definitely safe (but messy) use a little oil in the mix to make it easier to remove afterwards, or get a few rolls of this excellent product http://www.amazon.co.uk/Everbuild-2SWELDBL-Silweld-Silicone-Fusing/dp/B007556K3O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407096754&sr=8-1&keywords=silicone+self+fusing+tape

I always have a couple in the cupboard, easy to quickly fix a leak mid run without having to shut down.

Looks good, I've just ordered two rolls, thanks for the tip :-)

Just a newbie here but i did the homework required to post on hd.org and consiquently had it drummed into me that the only safe materials are copper SS teflon silver antimony, and flourpaste?? So i ended up giving the silicone t500 lid gasket a ptfe wrap and replaced the standard drain tap with a SS ball valve using 2 x m20 ss washers and a 1/2 hex nipple all wrapped with ptfe to seal, to bring it upto code .

SO.. i would suggest wrapping a few rounds of ptfe round the copper tube before inserting it into the endfeed sections when you join. an overlapping wrap on the joints should then make it tight..

afaik parafilm is a wider ptfe tape, more expensive as its a lab grade product, but is designed to be wrapped over a joint to seal with tension.
I however have been using plumbers ptfe as poormans parafilm for sealing up yeast plates with no probs..

Some of our compatriates on other sites will try and drum all sorts into your head.
Often with a very large hammer.
Sometimes it is sage,sometimes it isn't.
Read widely,follow some of your own common sense.
This site will usually come up with a civilised answer to a question,and I often remark,but do use the search box top right of your screen,there is a wealth of information stowed on this server,sadly it is often overlooked,until a search engine brings the seeker back here.
Happy Stillin'
Robert.

I use silicone seals on one of my boilers, and I have yet to see anything that says its unsafe around alcohol. I also use platinum cured silicone seal on my column, but wouldn't balk at using EPDM or standard silicon gaskets (the ptfe ones are a bit too ridged for me)

I've seen commercial alcohol being moved around in HDPE IBC containers in the past, and there is no public outcry about the 2 headed babies this causes or whatever they are spouting on some other forums
There are also silicone additives that can be using in the commercial side to prevent boil overs (pukes)
Its common for some of the Scandinavian guys to use fermenting bins as a boiler.

Once you have been hit by the synthetics stick over at HD its hard to shake it off (me included), so stainless, copper, glass where you can. but there are other choices with seals and limited contact.

We all make our own choices in life, just be happy with yours.

+ 1 with the Captain.

Shame I cannae spell at back of eleven,when the spell-checker that used to boot in doesn't anymore.
The right spelling,I believe should have been compatriots.
Grammatical and spelling errors concern me more than Silicone and some of the reported things that we shouldn't allow to to be in contact with the good stuff.
'nuff said.
Robert.