Electrolytic Cleaning 101

Basics on building a system!
Google will tell you exactly how it works, but I don't have time to explain it myself.

1. plastic tub
2. DC power supply - 10+ amps, 12 - 24V
3. Washing or baking Soda (Sodium Carbonate or Bi-Carbonate)
4. Scrap steel sheet for Anode plates (Positive + lead)
5. Item to be cleaned (Ferrous metal, attached to Negative - lead)
6 a few hours running time.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Electrolysis
• how
• to
• system
• clean
• rust
• removal
• DC
• washing
• soda
• bicarbonate
• tank
• paint
• strip
• Iron

[network0120]

Do you mean baking soda?

[Aussie50]

@network0120 thats correct. baking or washing soda will work. washing soda is actually better!

[Axemurderer62]

Another question, How often do you have to empty the tub and is it safe to dump in the soil?

[Aussie50]

@Axemurderer62 I empty the tub when there is simply too much sludge in the bottom, 4" of it at some times!

if you avoid anything stainless, or lead based paint on items,  and use sodium bicarbonate/carbonate its safe to dilute and pour out somwhere out of the way. it will look nasty because of the iron oxide and dirt in it tho.

its as safe as you keep it, keeping nasty chemicals out is the best thing to do.

[Axemurderer62]

How thick does your tank need to be? Can I use a large rubbermaid storage type tub?

[Aussie50]

@Axemurderer62 thick is good but if its a once off job you could use a thinner tub as long as it does not split at the corners.

the $30 clear K-mart handy bins work well but need a wooden frame to stop the sides bulging out and stress cracking. likewise I put a plastic panel from the top of a old copier in the bottom to prevent smashing the bottom if I put a heavy object down on it.

[midkhan424]

I dont understand your english :p

[rustyjonesjr]

Though i have heard washing soda before, we call it Arm & Hammer baking soda.

[Axemurderer62]

Thanks for the info mate ;)

[shades2]

From what I read, _don't_ use SS as an anode, as it can create chromium compounds that are really pretty nasty. Unless you have a safe way of disposing of those sorts of things.