ace
Statesman
Posts: 528
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Post by ace on Jun 6, 2007 7:45:52 GMT
Can anyone suggest an alternative other than using Sulphuric acid to clean copper that is more user friendly. I have tried the vinegar method but it wasn't that clever or is there a specific type of vinegar to use?. I only need to clean small amounts and don't wish to keep hazardous acids in my workshop. I recall reading somewhere about an alternative acid solution that can be purchased from a chemist. ACE
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Noddy
Statesman
Posts: 672
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Post by Noddy on Jun 6, 2007 8:22:28 GMT
Citric acid is the stuff, you can get it in the baking section of the supermarket, or at the local chemists. Larger quantities from an agricultural chemist. Mix it good and strong, that way it will inhibit any bacterial growth and will keep for years.
The only poisonous thing about it is any disolved copper. Hope this helps Keith
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ace
Statesman
Posts: 528
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Post by ace on Jun 6, 2007 11:45:20 GMT
Thanks Noddy
I will try this method, whats the best type of container? plastic or metal to keep it in.
ACE
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Noddy
Statesman
Posts: 672
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Post by Noddy on Jun 6, 2007 14:50:26 GMT
The stuff you buy looks like sugar, and generally comes in a plastic or cardboard tub that is not out ofplace among the baking ingredients (it's not going to burn or poison anyone).
once mixed with water, I'd go for plastic, say a 4 pint platic milk container with the top cut off, or a gallon plastic container with one side cut out. For bigger articles, the five gallon plastic Jerry cans with a side cut out are v good, just make sure that you cut away from you...
If you have a friendly farmer near by, the ones used for Propcorn are v good, just rinse it well first outside as the chemical is like tear gas, although when dilute it biodegrades at the sewerage works.
A strong solution doesn't go off, but some cling film or a board over the top will keep dust and flies out, and you might also want to top it up with water from time to time.
happy pickling Keith
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Post by Deleted on Jun 6, 2007 21:11:29 GMT
I get my citric acid crystals from the local home brew shop. A 2kg bag is around £2.50. It has many advantages over the stronger acids from a safety, storage and handling point of view, but is slower in it's cleaning action. I fill a polythene lunchbox for small parts, But mix a fresh solution in a washing up bowl when I need larger amounts. Try not to keep it with your foodstuffs though, it tasts foul if you try and sweeten your tea with it by mistake ;D
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ace
Statesman
Posts: 528
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Post by ace on Jun 11, 2007 9:57:13 GMT
Thanks for the advice and tips, When you say it takes longer to clean what is the average time to leave it in, or is it just a case of look and see!.
ACE
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Post by spurley on Jun 11, 2007 12:26:17 GMT
Hi Ace
Personally having built a couple of boilers of my own and helped with some repairs on someone else's boiler, I would only use Sulphuric Acid. I have three kids and they have fairly free access to my garage but have all been shown what is in the red painted bottles and what it could do if splashed on! They are pretty keen to avoid it. Also I've not had any problems being eaten or my clothes/overalls being damaged,. So I would recommend Sulphuric over Citric. The boiler that I helped repair had been pickled in Citric and, whilst it was clean and soldered OK, the process had been underway for several days! The advantage of Sulphuric is that about 20 minutes submersed will give an ideal finish once washed off. The Citric, while safer, can require overnight or longer to reach the same cleanliness and doesn't seem to be effective should the copper be contaminated with oil or grease. You can, apparently leave copper in Citric Acid for weeks without causing major damage but life can be too short when boiler making, I think!
To answer your query it is a case of look and see but be ready for a bit of a wait!
Cheers
Brian
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ace
Statesman
Posts: 528
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Post by ace on Jun 11, 2007 23:07:32 GMT
Thanks Spurley I will probably use Sulphuric for the larger boilers but I am tempted to use Citric for this small job and until I can make a safe place in the workshop for the Sulphuric acid. Cheers ACE
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