Buna-Nitrile diaphragm off flavor

[cabinetcap]

I just upgraded my filter press hand pump. It came with white silicone diaphragm. The new buna-n (black) diaphragm i got to replace it is suppose to be stronger and last longer. When a got it I noticed it really smelled like rubber, kind of like a cheap snorkel mouth piece. I wound up boiling it for a minute and was shocked at the smell. Being curious I tasted the water and almost threw it up in the sink. Although it made a fine buna tea I am contemplating using it. As a comparison i did boil my old silicone and what a difference, very little smell or taste. I had the same problem with cheap clear braid hose from HD,switching to silicone solved it. Called Bosworth and they never heard of it. Any thoughts, I know it’s food grade but I would not drink that tea.

[Russell Lampron]

I just upgraded my filter press hand pump. It came with white silicone diaphragm. The new buna-n (black) diaphragm i got to replace it is suppose to be stronger and last longer. When a got it I noticed it really smelled like rubber, kind of like a cheap snorkel mouth piece. I wound up boiling it for a minute and was shocked at the smell. Being curious I tasted the water and almost threw it up in the sink. Although it made a fine buna tea I am contemplating using it. As a comparison i did boil my old silicone and what a difference, very little smell or taste. I had the same problem with cheap clear braid hose from HD,switching to silicone solved it. Called Bosworth and they never heard of it. Any thoughts, I know it’s food grade but I would not drink that tea.

Buna N/Nitrile diaphragms aren't made to work at the high temperatures that we need to heat syrup to to filter it. Get a Teflon replacement, they are made to work at filtering temperatures and won't impart any off flavors or odors into your syrup.

[cabinetcap]

I do not believe Bosworth has a Teflon diaphragm for their hand pump. I like the silicone but it can really start to bulge under temp and pressure and wanted a back up. I did inquire about pigment free buna-n and is not available. Thanks for the suggestion, Jay.