Ask The Brewmasters

  • 1.  HLT Rusting Issue

    Posted 04-11-2019 15:47
    We are having an issue with rust forming in our HLT.  It is a DME steam jacketed vessel filled with RO.  Does anyone have any experience with a similar issue?  We have an identical tank for our CLT that has no issues whatsoever.

    I have used Deox 162, an inhibited hydrochloric acid product, in the past to remove the rust.  After that, I passivated the tank using Compound CR-120N.

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    David Yancey
    Head Brewer / Barrel Manager
    Taxman Brewing Co
    Bargersville, IN
    (512) 426-2447
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  • 2.  RE: HLT Rusting Issue

    Posted 04-12-2019 12:39

    We've seen this a lot over time in the HLT.  We have found a 3% solutions of a MSA Acid at 120 degrees for an hour, has shown good results in removing the staining.  I have even had someone leave it in the tank overnight and it removed a heavy concentration in the bottom of the tank.  A good rinse and you should be good to go.  I don't know how bad your staining is so you might have to extend the cycle, if it really bad.  See if the water pressure on your carbon filter is pushing contaminate past your filter.  I might suggest you have your raw water, and post carbon filter water analyzed prior to heating in the HLT.

     

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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: HLT Rusting Issue

    Posted 04-13-2019 16:06
    David,

    Stress corrosion cracking can appear like rust.  Nitric acid is very good rust remover because it removes/dissolves iron from the surface of the steel.  You may want to do a manual spot treatment of an area to verify that what appears to be rust is actually rust.  Types 304/304L and 316/316L are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking and it is not uncommon for hot water tanks to fail after years of service.

    Feel free to give me a call if you want to discuss.

    Cheers,
    Ashton

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    Ashton Lewis
    Technical Sales Manager - Central Midwest
    BSG Craftbrewing
    Springfield MO
    (417) 830-2337
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: HLT Rusting Issue

    Posted 04-15-2019 21:14
    We have this problem with 304 stainless tanks due to our local water supply (which is quite hard).  Although there is a comment about stress cracking corrosion, which is another problem.

    We control it with regular repassivation using Citrisurf 3050 mixed to manufacturers specification in our CIP loop once a quarter on any 304 stainless to repassivate.  When we see spot rust, we clean it with concentrated nitric acid and pickle it first (as you would do with fresh stainless welds).

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    Cheers!
    D.
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    David Henderson
    Engineer, Brewer, Founding Lunatic
    Western Ridge Brewing & Distilling Co. Pty. Ltd.
    Greenock
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    Original Message


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