Camlock Coupling Materials
Choosing the right material or materials for your camlock coupling setup is important to preventing metals from affecting the flavor of your home brews, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The most common materials for camlock couplings are stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and sometimes plastic. Each material has its own specific benefits and drawbacks, and is best used in particular situations and areas of a brewing setup.
Stainless Steel Camlock Couplings
Stainless steel, an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel, is a popular choice due to its high durability and reliability, and the fact that it does not react with the liquids in beer. Stainless steel is not generally at risk of corrosion except when not properly maintained, and does not contribute any noticeable flavors to the brewing process. The exception to this is when corrosion does occur, in which case you will notice a metallic “blood-like” taste.
Stainless steel tends to be the most expensive material, and is not weldable, which restricts its usage in certain camlock coupling applications. Stainless steel camlock couplings should never be cleaned using steel wool or other metallic scrubbers, as this can lead to corrosion and pitting. Household cleaners designed for use with stainless steel, such as Bar Keeper’s Friend, are ideal.
Brass Camlock Couplings
Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is a common choice for camlock coupling setups because it is lower in cost and has high thermal conductivity. It can also be soldered to other materials, such as stainless steel. Brass camlock couplings have a similar amount of corrosion resistance to copper, and can be cleaned easily. Brass should be cleaned using non-corrosive chemicals to avoid pitting.
The copper content of brass can be beneficial during the fermentation process, but should not be used in any long-term storage equipment, as it can react negatively. Some brewers have concerns about the lead content of brass (less than three percent for the alloy used in brewing equipment), but the amount is low enough that any health concerns are negligible – the alcohol in the beer is more of a health risk.
Aluminum Camlock Couplings
Aluminum is fairly common for camlock couplings because it is easy to form and weld, and is highly corrosion resistant. Aluminum does not, with proper maintenance and brewing practice, corrode during the brewing process. It can be at risk of corrosion if it is placed in wort or beer alongside certain other metals – this essentially turns the jar into a battery. Aluminum, unless corroded, does not contribute any additional flavors to beer. Aluminum should be cleaned using a percarbonate-based cleaner, such as PBW.
