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Inert carbon canister coating

We are using 16 Ga 110 Gallon Drums (open head) which have been hot-dipped (galvanized) as vessels containing activated carbon in a water filtration system. The water filtering process effectively strips the zinc from the interior of the canisters in short order. Is there a finish that could be applied to the interior of the canisters after galvanizing which will protect the interior? It would be difficult to spray this coating because the interior of the canister contains permanently attached baffles, plumbing, etc.; accordingly, the coating would have to be applied by "sloshing" it around the inside of the canister or some other process which would evenly coat the interior.

Bruce F Rieck
- Austin, Texas

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Bruce,

Probably your best choice would be to send them out to a plater that has large electroless nickel baths. E-N nickel will cover every interior area that is in contact with the solution, thus protecting every part inside. Only problem is the precleaning, and conditioning of your actual drums. If they got severely rust or corroded, it-s a no win situation. Have you considered making your drums out of plastic, it certainly can be fabricated and weld pretty much like steel?

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico