Countertop Single Vessel Brewery!

[ScubaSteve]

What kind of acid, and where can I get it? I'm always concerned about properly disposing of stuff like that.....I'd hate to have them track it back to me.....

 

[Crazytwoknobs]

Add some salts and stuff and you'll neutralize it, depends on the acid. I'm sure you could find instructions online.

 

[DevilsCreekBrewing]

Muriatic acid can be found at most hardware stores. Add acid to water, not water to acid, wear neoprene or nitrile, and neutralize with baking soda.

I worked for a paint removal company years ago, we used hydrochloric acid to pickle steel. Used a 6 water to 1 acid ratio. I would start with that, even though the acid you buy will be more dilute than what we used.

 

[samc]

Three gallons has been a deal killer for me when I've looked at those coffee makers. Hopefully you will get something working out of it, love the price you paid!

Looking at the inside I now know why most coffee from those machines taste like crap.

 

[ScubaSteve]

What about CLR? It's cheaper, safer, and works pretty good if undiluted........?

 

[jpc]

Here's a potential option...

I have one of the "super-automatic" espresso machines at home (was a gift to SWMBO for finishing her Ph.D. in EE). With time, the hardness builds up in the machine and it requires descaling.

You can find descaler in either powdered (what I use) or liquid form; it gets pumped through the machine automatically, then rinsed. I would assume that you should be able to find this at a local store where they sell espresso machines, or go on-line to somewhere like wholelattelove.

Since it's made for this purpose, and far safer than acid, it is probably the first thing I'd try if I were in your shoes.

 

[Revvy]

How did I miss this cool thread? *subscribed*

Great find Steve!

 

[ScubaSteve]

Okay, so here's a little update. I need to make a little disclaimer: Don't do what I did! If you do, you are doing so at your own risk. All manufacturer instructions should be followed when using chemicals, and proper protective clothing (goggles, gloves, and long shirt/pants) should be worn!

I used a properly diluted mixture of muriatic acid, and it worked awesome! I dipped it halfway in for about 30 mins, lightly scrubbed with a carboy brush, then drained and flipped it to immerse the other end of the tank. Lather, rinse, and repeat.

This stuff is no joke, it was like Roger Rabbit and the "Toon Dip":

 

[ScubaSteve]

SO here's some pics of the tank as it was soaking, etc.:

 

[ScubaSteve]

And here's the good stuff! There is still a slight ring around the top, but I plan to get in there with some BKF and seal the deal. I'll probably pull the brass fittings and either replace with new hardware or plug the holes.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I neutralized the acid properly with a base, and disposed of it. It was definitely a scary experience when I saw what the undiluted acid did to the rust caked fittings, etc. It definitely deserves some respect.

So I guess it's GAME ON! I've got several other projects going, but at least I know the tank isn't rusted through and this is still in the lineup.

Next step is probably going to be plumbing.

 

[Jaysus]

Totally. Super. Awesome!

 

[wyzazz]

Sweet!

 

[DenBenson]

Excellent find! LOL!

__________
countertops

 

[Revvy]

Hey Steve, check this thread out https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/getting-table-top-tilting-kettle-free-186643/ you might have some ideas/advice for him.

 

[ScubaSteve]

That guy got lucky!

 

[Seabee John]

so subscribed!

 

[ScubaSteve]

so subscribed!

It's a Navy coffeemaker, so you KNOW it's had some use

 

[klyph]

You ever do anything with this?

 

[ScubaSteve]

Dude, I've been so busy with my other build! I have everything in a nice pile ready to go....I pretty much have enough parts to make it work...I've been building so long I just want to do some hardcore brewing and get my stores back up. Building has been SO expensive....brewing is cheap in comparison, but I'm sure I'll find some way to go over my budget

 

[klyph]

I know what you mean, I have two systems that share components, I should just sell off the stuff I don't need. It's hard to get any brewing done when building is more fun.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Hell yeah!:rockin:

 

[hlumbard]

Can't wait to see it continue!!!

 

[Aylmer]

Steve! Why do you leave me hanging like this?

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Oh man, I totally forgot about this.

Yeah Clarissa, explain it all!

 

[wyzazz]

Pah, he's got his fancy schmancy Unibrew 5500 running... ...no time for the "little" things now.

 

[MaltMonster]

I would love to hear if this project ever got completed and how it is performing.

 

[Marquez]

Any updates?

 

[wantonsoup]

Steve? Ever do anything with this project?