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Author Topic: Boiler cleaning  (Read 147 times)

RON

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Boiler cleaning
« on: April 13, 2019, 06:14:48 am »
First time i have silver soldered a copper boiler for my ongoing project and anyone who has done this will know externally what i mean  it goes black while soldering it has taken me about an hour to clean the outside dipping 5 mins in vinegar same again out and in with a product called Cillit Bang i think it`s a mild acid ended up cleaning with a nylon pad result not too bad but my QUESTION IS how do i clean the inside it must be black
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34046

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Re: Boiler cleaning
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2019, 07:40:16 am »
I pickle mine overnight  and use one shot drain cleaner at 10% volume.

Removes all the black and just a rub over with wire wool is needed.

I suspect the inside may not get black as there is no direct flame heat on it but would need this confirming.

NOTE - one shot is 91% sulphuric acid.
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RON

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Re: Boiler cleaning
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2019, 10:25:51 am »
Interesting i just thought blackening was caused by heat what concerned me was after dipping in vinegar or Cillit Bang for a few mins then using a clear glass with water you could see the dirt coming off into the clean water when rinsing which made me think would that be going through the engine maybe boiling the water of a few time might cure it
Would be nice to know the answer
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chip1e

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Re: Boiler cleaning
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2019, 11:37:48 am »
Hi Ron

Get hold of some Citric Acid crystals it's quite safe to use it is used for home brewing and cooking. Dissolve as much crystals as the amount of water you use will take then pickle the boiler in it for a couple of hours then rinse with clean water the copper comes out a nice pink colour. The pickle can be kept for further use in an old ice cream tub with a lid. The  Citric Acid can be bought from home brew shops or online I bought my last lot from Amazon it is not expensive a 1kg bag will last forever at only a few £.
Paul.
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RON

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Re: Boiler cleaning
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2019, 04:31:03 am »
Thanks to you both will make it a priority this week feel safer with Citric rather than Sulphuric will get some mixed up and store it in the wife`s whisky bottles empty whisky bottles
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