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How to clean 304 stainless tank

Hello,

I am looking for a method to chemically clean our dilute chrome seal tank. Despite vigorous scrubbing with scotch brite pads, scale has still accumulated on the tank walls and heaters. What would be an appropriate method to remove the scale, and prepare the tank for a rebuild?

I haven't tried it yet, but I would think a strong acid, or sodium hydroxide [affil links] solution would clean things up.

Thanks,
Chris

Chris Ackman
Anodize Shop Employee - Everett, Washington, USA
March 29, 2011

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Hi, Chris. I'd chisel out a small piece of the scale and try to dissolve it in the lab before adding bulk quantities of acids or alkalies to the tank. If you do end up using acid, I would hope that it's sulfuric, since hydrochloric is a problem for stainless. Remember that a plating tank is a "confined space" and you need to practice the full protocol if anyone enters it.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
March 31, 2011