German Brewing

My gut feeling is that any material able to form an oxide layer that can be dissolved into the mash/wort should be avoided.

I've been looking at custom cuts of stainless for a mash cap, and have another company looking into what clear materials are food safe for constant contact and heat resistant, but all I can come up with for a food safe gasket is to take some silicone hose and split it down the middle. Then attach that like a gasket around the cap. Any other/better ideas out there? I've looked into conical gaskets, but none are the right size that I've seen.

Well, after going back and forth on the idea of using an aluminum cake pan and a weldless bulkhead, I opted to try a really big silicone baking mat.

Extra Large Silicone Baking Mat for Pastry Rolling with Measurements(50×60cm),Chef Special,Non Stick,Non Slip,Pizza,Breads,Lasagna,and other Recipes & Desserts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AJ2S9A6/re ... rxb1E1FA8A

The plan is to to drape it over the wort and hold it in place with some very strong rare earth magnets. The recirc return will be locline under the mat. Not sure if it'll stay in place.

Seems like a temporary solution, but who knows? It's got a few positives going for it. Reusable, easy to clean, and if it is a complete failure, it'll see use in the kitchen!

If you have been reading the silicone tubing thread you will see silicones permeability. I would say it's certainly better than nothing though.

If you have been reading the silicone tubing thread you will see silicones permeability. I would say it's certainly better than nothing though.