Dissolving rust in a heat exchanger.

[W.olly]

This darn thing is the best I have but has a small blockage in an area I can't get to.
Is there a fluid I can use to pour down it to dissolve/remove the blockage of rust?

I have blasted ot with the pressure washers all aways I can amd have forward amd beck pressure but still no luck to fully clear it.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

You could try brickwork cleaner which is acid. Just don't leave it in for too long otherwise the whole item might disappear

 

[Sergei Slovenija]

Is it nodular cast iron? Be careful with acids and their concentration. + forced circulation of the solution inside the part, will not hurt.

Or a large ultrasonic bath with heating and some citric acid, with regular visual inspection of the part.

 

[Hopefuldave]

You could try brickwork cleaner which is acid. Just don't leave it in for too long otherwise the whole item might disappear

once the blockage clears a bit, pump phosphoric acid (diluted) through to clear and passivate the rest of the passages? or if you can make access for it, electrolysis? carbon arc gouging rods do a good job, and don't barnacle up like steel anodes (strip most of the copper off first)

 

[Onoff]

I'd be filling the open ports with bicarbonate of soda then tipping cheap vinegar down. Gets really "bubbly" and shifts stuff, the vinegar obviously being acidic. That and trying hot citric acid solution.

 

[W.olly]

I was thinking on buying another ultrasonic cleaner. So it that will do it it could be a reason to do so. I see they have come down in price a lot.

As for the other ideas I'll give them a try. Whay ever I use it will get a good pressure wash
.

Thanks guy's

 

[ukracer]

I was thinking on buying another ultrasonic cleaner. So it that will do it it could be a reason to do so. I see they have come down in price a lot.

As for the other ideas I'll give them a try. Whay ever I use it will get a good pressure wash
.

Thanks guy's

Have they?
I really would like to try one of my collets in an ultra sonic machine. But can't justify being a small one when I know I will need a larger one. But I don't have the spare cash yet for a decent size one yet.

 

[W.olly]

Have they?
I really would like to try one of my collets in an ultra sonic machine. But can't justify being a small one when I know I will need a larger one. But I don't have the spare cash yet for a decent size one yet.

can get a 30l one for around £300 now.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293424721635?hash=item445179eee3:g:LusAAOSwNIJkp7~X&amdata=enc:AQAIAAAAwP3chfhwEk+dCfHmDwjsWCPSvXd10t50UGvNTiaFzmVPaCSbETG8zaCgS8trY7JQ2niB9pulW2lAKr35lhNaVUy09k4o2/zeNtpiMWqo38Ojzd5VQRrlHRQjjRRvWAQp2RynCBoJARsWJYRcgakK/jh/ccZzOiqHDZHETjYGcDZ6sfTfEM/TgUMzvqPwY6ZTCNuh8FIYUFH9Qvtv4lW3o4ArBjMZ+h4N/OVjZUfi/Uc7VpYb1zKx6u83HnN3koBkMQ==|tkp:BlBMUOa3lpy0Yg


cost me more than that for a 10l year or so ago.

ill dip your collet if you want, if i get one. no charge

 

[graffian]

I'd be filling the open ports with bicarbonate of soda then tipping cheap vinegar down. Gets really "bubbly" and shifts stuff, the vinegar obviously being acidic. That and trying hot citric acid solution.

forgive my lack of chemistry type knowledge, won't the bicarb neutralise the acid?

 

[W.olly]

Have they?
I really would like to try one of my collets in an ultra sonic machine. But can't justify being a small one when I know I will need a larger one. But I don't have the spare cash yet for a decent size one yet.

even cheaper, all same chinese tat so cnat see there being and much difference but for casing.

Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner 3/6/10/15/30L Timer Heat Ultra Sonic Jewelry Cleaning | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Digital Ultrasonic Cleaner 3/6/10/15/30L Timer Heat Ultra Sonic Jewelry Cleaning at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Ross365]

forgive my lack of chemistry type knowledge, won't the bicarb neutralise the acid?

Yes, but the theory is that the bubbles help lift the rust off of the surface.
I think my own preference would be for hot citric. I'd totally avoid brick acid (hydrochloric).

 

[Bullet2012]

Was the boat previously used in mainly fresh or salt water ?

 

[W.olly]

The boat was used in Salt water. not sure on the heat exchanger as it off another engine.

 

[Onoff]

forgive my lack of chemistry type knowledge, won't the bicarb neutralise the acid?

Eventually but it's the initial, volatile reaction that can shift things.

 

[brightspark]

https://www.wheelabratorgroup.com/e...rts-and-consumables/blast-media-and-abrasives

 

[Bullet2012]

The boat was used in Salt water. not sure on the heat exchanger as it off another engine.

Just thinking if it is fresh water then it could also be limescale, if that’s the case then kettle descaler could work.

 

[W.olly]

Just thinking if it is fresh water then it could also be limescale, if that’s the case then kettle descaler could work.

well we will what happens as bought a ultrasonic cleaner. Reckon it will take a few goes to clean it up but will give it a go. got loads of parts to do so not a waste of money lol.

 

[JOEPRO]

Evaporust would clean that up too if you had a suitable shaped container or reverse dunk it.

 

[brightspark]

https://www.wheelabratorgroup.com/e...rts-and-consumables/blast-media-and-abrasives

oops wrong post

 

[Hopefuldave]

Just thinking if it is fresh water then it could also be limescale, if that’s the case then kettle descaler could work.

Phosphoric acid'll clean up rust AND limescale - I use it on the lav, bathroom taps, shower heads etc. as well as derusting things that won't go in the tank for electrolysis