Membership questions? Log in issues? Email info@brewersassociation.org

Author Topic: Cleaning Rusty Gear  (Read 1688 times)

Offline Phil_M

  • Senior Brewmaster
  • ******
  • Posts: 1760
  • Southern Maryland
Cleaning Rusty Gear
« on: December 11, 2017, 05:41:04 pm »
I think I know the answer to this, but prove me wrong...

I recently purchased a used 3-vessel system. Overall the system is in great shape, however it was stored in a shed for a while. The kettles have some minor rust but should clean up just fine. The false bottoms are proving to be another story. The minor surface rust on them wasn't an issue, but there was some heavier rust and oxidation on the welds.

I've tried BKF, it's not cutting it. I'm assuming that any and all rust must go, but I can't seem to shift the rust from the weld spots. If it can't be fixed easily, I'll just fab up a new mount and use my SS Brewtech mash tun in it's place.
Corn is a fine adjunct in beer.

And don't buy stale beer.

Offline Stevie

  • Official Poobah of No Life. (I Got Ban Hammered by Drew)
  • *********
  • Posts: 6858
Re: Cleaning Rusty Gear
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2017, 06:13:24 pm »
Did you try a copper or stainless brush with the BKF?

Offline Phil_M

  • Senior Brewmaster
  • ******
  • Posts: 1760
  • Southern Maryland
Re: Cleaning Rusty Gear
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2017, 06:21:36 am »
Did you try a copper or stainless brush with the BKF?

No, I was using a hard bristle plastic brush. Basically made a paste of BKF and hot water, and let that sit on the spots for a while. The thing is, if it's too much work to get rid of the spots it would just be easier to make a new bracket to mount the SS Brewtech mast tun on the tippy dump instead. I don't know if the little bits of rust will affect the flavor of the brews or not.
Corn is a fine adjunct in beer.

And don't buy stale beer.

Offline Slowbrew

  • I spend way too much time on the AHA forum
  • ********
  • Posts: 2857
  • The Slowly Losing IT Brewery in Urbandale, IA
Re: Cleaning Rusty Gear
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2017, 08:20:43 am »
If you have a Dremel Tool you might want to try their burnishing or polishing tools.

Paul
Where the heck are we going?  And what's with this hand basket?

Offline Stevie

  • Official Poobah of No Life. (I Got Ban Hammered by Drew)
  • *********
  • Posts: 6858
Re: Cleaning Rusty Gear
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2017, 08:25:19 am »
Try the metal brushes, but I wouldn’t leave rust in there.

Offline coolman26

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 920
Re: Cleaning Rusty Gear
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2017, 08:26:50 am »
I would try a small stainless wire brush. It would be worth the $3 to try with the BKF. I’ve had decent success with this in an older 10 gal Polarware I have. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Jeff B

Offline Philbrew

  • Brewmaster
  • *****
  • Posts: 867
Re: Cleaning Rusty Gear
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2017, 11:28:13 am »
I'm assuming the welds are SS.  It sounds like the welds need passivating.  Can you get some nitric acid?
Many of us would be on a strict liquid diet if it weren't for pretzels.

Offline Phil_M

  • Senior Brewmaster
  • ******
  • Posts: 1760
  • Southern Maryland
Re: Cleaning Rusty Gear
« Reply #7 on: December 13, 2017, 04:38:06 am »
I'll try the wire brushes next, yes I have a dremel but hopefully it doesn't come to that...

The weld filler and the base material looks fine, it's the area around the weld that's corroded/rusted. I don't think their sanitary weld practices were the best...
Corn is a fine adjunct in beer.

And don't buy stale beer.