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Author Topic: PBW vs TSP  (Read 6173 times)

Offline MNWayne

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PBW vs TSP
« on: July 07, 2018, 10:27:07 pm »
Is PBW and TSP the same stuff?  They sure look alike and seem to work the same. Both contain sodium meta sulfite.
Far better to dare mighty things....

Offline hopfenundmalz

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2018, 12:52:39 am »
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Offline KellerBrauer

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #2 on: July 08, 2018, 06:12:26 am »
Many years ago, I used TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) to clean and flush a newly installed piping system before putting the system on-line.  We used it because of its strong cleaning capabilities without foaming.  However, I do not believe it is a “food grade” products like PBW.

I agree with hopfenundmalz.  I would look closely at the MSDS for each product, particularly the TSP.
Joliet, IL

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Offline Robert

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #3 on: July 08, 2018, 06:32:05 am »
TSP is anhydrous sodium carbonate and tribasic sodium phosphate.   Not at all the same as PBW and the like.

(As a rule of thumb, I don't regard stuff I buy at the paint store as food grade...)
« Last Edit: July 08, 2018, 06:35:04 am by Robert »
Rob Stein
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Offline klickitat jim

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #4 on: July 08, 2018, 06:42:56 am »
Can we eat PBW?

Offline Robert

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2018, 07:23:46 am »
Rob Stein
Akron, Ohio

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Offline Robert

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #6 on: July 08, 2018, 07:31:38 am »
Seriously, I guess the question is, how well do the products rinse, and what might be left if rinsing isn't thorough. 
Rob Stein
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Offline majorvices

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #7 on: July 08, 2018, 07:50:17 am »
Can we eat PBW?

It started here kids, the PBW Challenge!!! Bwahahaha!

Offline HydraulicSammich

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #8 on: July 08, 2018, 08:57:17 am »
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Offline Robert

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #9 on: July 08, 2018, 11:55:51 am »
It seems there are various TSP products.  Some are chlorinated, which you'd have to be aware of.  I was just at the hardware store, and read the label of the stuff there.   It advises against using on glass or metal.  Do your research before using anything.
Rob Stein
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Offline MNWayne

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #10 on: July 08, 2018, 05:17:27 pm »
I've been reading a lot of labels. The more I read the more confused I get. Some TSP is TSP, some is sodium meta whatever which is also in PBW. Does it really matter?  I'm beginning to think not. Use whatever to get off the gunk and then rinse the hell out of it.
Far better to dare mighty things....

Offline klickitat jim

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #11 on: July 08, 2018, 05:51:13 pm »
Can we eat PBW?
  You go first.
I've had PBJ, but only with the crust cut off. I'd guess that the W in PBW means With crust.

Offline hopfenundmalz

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #12 on: July 08, 2018, 07:05:19 pm »
I've been reading a lot of labels. The more I read the more confused I get. Some TSP is TSP, some is sodium meta whatever which is also in PBW. Does it really matter?  I'm beginning to think not. Use whatever to get off the gunk and then rinse the hell out of it.
Many states/ local governments outlawed true TSP as it was a problem in the downstream runoff, as the phosphates cause algae blooms in ponds and lakes.
Jeff Rankert
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Offline MNWayne

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #13 on: July 09, 2018, 10:07:48 pm »
That's what I thought, but the MSDS on TPS made by Savogran lists "Trisodium Phosphate Dodecahydrate" 75% and "Sodium Sesquicarbonate" 25%
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Offline KellerBrauer

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Re: PBW vs TSP
« Reply #14 on: July 14, 2018, 05:55:39 am »
If you choose to use TSP somewhere in your brewing process, perhaps you would be interested in first placing your brewing equipment in your LWT (Last Will & Testiment)  ;D
Joliet, IL

All good things come to those who show patients and perseverance while maintaining a positive and progressive attitude. 😉