Boiler cleaning

This forum is dedicated to the Live Steam Hobbyist Community.

Moderators: cbrew, Harold_V

Post Reply
User avatar
ChipsAhoy
Posts: 319
Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2015 12:23 pm
Location: Arizona

Boiler cleaning

Post by ChipsAhoy »

Has anyone with experience, or useful thoughts on washing a boiler with one of the Oakite acids? Oakite 31, made by Chemetall, appears to be a candidate.
Looking at the threads "Scary", tends to sober one up. :shock:
Scotty
Pontiacguy1
Posts: 1566
Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:15 am
Location: Tennessee, USA

Re: Boiler cleaning

Post by Pontiacguy1 »

Usually, people just use the cheapest vinegar that they can find and fill it up just above the level of the crown sheet. Then let it sit overnight, 10 to 12 hours, then dump it. Flush the boiler out really good, the put some soda ash in water and put that in to neutralize the acid.

I looked it up and that product looks like it would be good for doing exactly what you are looking for. Problem is that you have to have an account with most of these industrial chemical companies like Chemetall (pronounced shim-it-all, say it fast), and they won't just sell it to you or ship it to you. Also, most of these places only sell in a 5-gallon pail or larger, so be prepared to pay a lot of money out-of-pocket if you decide to get something like this.
Post Reply