Electrolysis tank

[Mike's 49 Cub]

Is there a specific size of rod to use in the tank? I have 1/2 inch round stock that I would like to use . Big enough? Also , do the rods touch the bottom of the tank? Thanks , Mike

[Bigdog]

The size really doesn't matter Mike. But the more surface area there is, the better it will work. As far as touching the bottom - as the sediment builds up, it might eventually be a factor and become less efficient. But the critical issue is to make sure that the item being de-rusted does not come into direct contact with the rods.

[Mike's 49 Cub]

Thanks Big Dog, one more question -- I have my tank setup for 16 rods, is that overkill ?

[Bigdog]

Sounds OK to me.

[Rudi]

Mike:

Out of curiosity, how big is the tank Pics

Electrolysis or Rust Zapper's.
Rust Removal using Electrolysis.
Rust Removal Using Electrolysis By Andrew Westcott

Also , do the rods touch the bottom of the tank?

As BD said, if the rods do touch the bottom of the tank and mix in with the sediment will result in slight degradation of the efficiency of the unit. Combined with build-up on the electrodes (rods), you will be able to see the efficiency degrade by observing the drop in amperage.

This can be alleviated simply by doing 2 things.

1. Lift the rods out of the sediment.. use a couple large aligator clips or the battery cable clips to keep the rods suspended.

2. Clean the electrodes regularly.. when you see the amperage drop by 50%.. it is definitely time to clean the rods. You can do this doing what I do, which is to use a twisted wire cup brush on my 4-1/2" angle grinder. Takes about 5 minutes for my 5 re-bars and the chain for the anode. Or you can try reversing the polarity as has been suggested. (I want to try this at some point this summer)

[Mike's 49 Cub]

Rudi, I have a 55 gallon plastic drum. I haven't figured out how to post pictures Tried it once and it didn't work so I just haven't gotten back to try again. Right now I'm just accumulating material so when I get my roofing done I can get going with out much delay. This just sounds so much better than a sandblaster.

[Rudi]

Mike:

Have a look at the tanks on the server... for a 55 US gallon or 45 Imperial Gallon tank.. which is what I used.. there is no way I can see where you will fit 16 rods into the tank unless you lay it down. In which case.. it is going to be a difficult build I would think, as you would need a cradle of some sort.

5 or 6 1/2" rods should suffice. Keep the extras for replacement rods when you use up the originals.. and you will use em up.. I am almost ready to replace 3 of the smaller diameter re-bars I have..

Btw.. you don't need the little dolly like I have..... And you don't need the drain setup either.. you can do what I used to do.. just push it over on it's side to empty it. However, I built mine before my heart attack and resulting bypass surgery, and I was having difficulty and having angina episodes whenever I tried to tip it over.. that is why I put it on the dolly with the drain.. a lot easier. And it has proved it's worth time and again in the period since. Very easy to move around and store for the winter when I am not using it.. I get carried away with my projects and tend to go overboard a bit.. but hey that is just me..... I like things neat and tidy.. must be the Navy part of me...

[Mike's 49 Cub]

Rudi, my tank looks just like yours. I'll take a picture of it and email it to you.