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Author Topic: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...  (Read 7566 times)

Offline blatz

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Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« on: April 02, 2010, 05:02:30 pm »
had to sanitize some bottles for a batch today (god I forgot how much I hate bottling).

Not thinking, I used one of those steel tubs you get at Walmart/Home Depot for icing down beers.  

Anyway, I used that as my star san dunk bucket - did I just ruin everything?

Towards the end, the star san was a bit hazy.
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Offline BrewingRover

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2010, 05:26:30 pm »
I forget, what's the pH of StarSan? The FDA now says galvanized steel is safe for use with food if it's not too acidic, like  below 5.5 -- I'd have to look it up again.
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Offline tygo

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2010, 05:48:54 pm »
The pH is lower than 5.5.  I believe its under 4.
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Offline a10t2

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2010, 05:58:58 pm »
For Star San you actually want the pH to be under 3. I'd rinse and re-sanitize - it seems like minimal effort for the peace of mind.
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Offline blatz

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2010, 06:05:52 pm »
For Star San you actually want the pH to be under 3. I'd rinse and re-sanitize - it seems like minimal effort for the peace of mind.

i don't think you understood - already bottled... :'(

i taste tested one of the CPF bottles I filled and it seems fine.

I can't imagine that the reaction would be all that significant in 1-2 hours time.  plus the bottles and equipment was let dry beforehand - not like I'm drinking the star san solution.
« Last Edit: April 02, 2010, 06:07:26 pm by blatz »
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Offline tubercle

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2010, 06:08:25 pm »
Galvanized = Zinc
Zinc is dissolved by acid and excessive Zinc is toxic. I wouldn't risk it.
Wikipedia has a pretty good write up. The toxicity part is about 2/3 of the way down.
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Offline blatz

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #6 on: April 02, 2010, 06:10:56 pm »
Galvanized = Zinc
Zinc is dissolved by acid and excessive Zinc is toxic. I wouldn't risk it.
Wikipedia has a pretty good write up. The toxicity part is about 2/3 of the way down.

agreed, but were talking about stuff I rinsed with, not drinking the stuff.

granted, the bottles weren't bone dry (some foam bubbles were still present) but they were pretty dry.
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Offline tubercle

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2010, 06:14:22 pm »
It might take the "metallic off flavor" to a new level ;D
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Offline blatz

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2010, 06:23:47 pm »
It might take the "metallic off flavor" to a new level ;D

well, I just took one of the bottles I CPFed against a sample right off the keg.

Tastes/Smells identical.

I think i'm worrying about nothing, though I won't ever use that tub again.
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Offline maxieboy

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2010, 06:24:26 pm »
I'll go out on a limb; your ethyl alcohol consumption far outweighs a probably not detectable level of zinc consumption... ;D
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Offline blatz

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #10 on: April 02, 2010, 06:25:11 pm »
I'll go out on a limb; your ethyl alcohol consumption far outweighs a probably not detectable level of zinc consumption... ;D

LOL!

I'm thinking I'm fine.  Lesson learned.
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Offline maxieboy

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #11 on: April 02, 2010, 07:03:01 pm »




I'm thinking I'm fine. 

I'm hoping so. Now, if someone with specific knowledge says don't drink 'em, I would heed that advice. Good luck!
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Offline tygo

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #12 on: April 02, 2010, 07:22:09 pm »
First give a six-pack or so to some "friends", wait a week or so and then ask them how they're feeling.  :D
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Offline blatz

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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #13 on: April 02, 2010, 07:57:01 pm »
First give a six-pack or so to some "friends", wait a week or so and then ask them how they're feeling.  :D

haha - well, i just drank a bottle, so we'll see soon enough - I think its fine...
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Re: Star San - Galvanized Steel - Oops...
« Reply #14 on: April 03, 2010, 09:55:15 am »
haha - well, i just drank a bottle, so we'll see soon enough - I think its fine...

Well, it's been nice knowing you, Paul.....;)
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