demagxc

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I own 2 old aluminum 80 scuba tanks that I can no longer fill because the batch of aluminum used to make them was flawed and was causing tanks to explode...So i would like to re-purpose them as fermentors. My first concern is the aluminum being exposed the PH of fermenting beer. I was wondering if there would be a good way to line the inside of the tanks so i could use them as conicals. If I can line them it should be easy enough to remove the valve and install a new one and a yeast catcher. Also, I am sure I could create some kind of lid, but first I need to see if lining the tanks is even possible.

kickrjason

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IMHO it sounds like more trouble then what its worth.

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hansonian

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I've got a couple old SCUBA tanks like that too. I don't know what you'd be able to line the insides with, it would have to be a liquid type process. Once you get the valve off there isn't enough room to really put anything into it.

I would re-purpose them into a snazzy mailbox or something else. I'm all for recycling materials into new projects but I can't see how these would work for you.

If you do get them up and running in your brewing operation I'll buy you a six-pack just to see what you did with them.

BiggieB400

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Have you seen the fire extinguisher beer dispenser??

It would require a dip tube, faucet, the ability to pressurize and probably a handle...

BiggieB400

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Oh... And you'd have to get creative when it runs dry and it needs to be cleaned!!

I think it really comes down to how much you are willing to modify them. In their current condition, your options are very limited IMO. Keep us posted on what you decide!!

bschot

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I did a quick search and I came up with some food safe epoxies. I used 'food safe coatings.' You'll want to your own research on if constant contact is okay, including pH, safe for contact with alcohol, etc., etc., etc. To coat; I'd want stuff that is more like thick water, I'd pour some in, seal it (I'd be careful not to foul any threads or such so you can add or remove fittings) and turn it about to coat the entire inside. Pour out the excess, let it cure and inspect the results. I would imagine you will want to do at least 2 coats. Research, research, research (its free and e-mail manufacturers, that's free too) and use your best judgement.

demagxc

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Thanks everyone! It looks like I have a few options. I did find some of the food grade epoxy coatings and sent a few emails out about them. I also found a few cross section pictures of aluminum tanks and it seems like there is more space inside than I thought. I will keep everyone posted if I find any more info and decide to move forward.

NewBrewB

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How much volume do they hold? 3gal?

IMO not worth the trouble.

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demagxc

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I looked at a few different food grade epoxy options and although they were food grade and cheep, they couldn't tolerate the low PH. One company named Carboline does offer a product called Plasite 9133 that would work perfectly.

http://www.carboline.com/markets-we-serve/transportation/product-details.aspx?market=Transportation%20(Railcar)&pro duct=163P

Below are the emails I got from the company

For the price I might as well put together a plastic conical. There might be some other project where the cost of this stuff would make it worth it but sadly this is not that project.

nhwrecker

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Scrap aluminum is going for around $0.50-60/lb right now, so your old tanks are worth about $15 each in scrap. I sold a bunch of pre '90 tanks last year with some other aluminum scrap, and ended up getting over $150 - you can put the $$ towards plastic connicals.