Stainless steel agitators

[nelstrodomus]

I've come across 4 stainless steel rods and agitators that were removed from a waste water treatment system (metal plating and finishing) and I am wondering if anyone has any input as to how to properly clean these to ensure no leaching of chemicals into my beer.

The treatment system was segregated between acids and cyanides, so I can't be sure which agitators came from where, but suffice to say, they were used in either process.

Any harm in using these for stirring mash/water now? - that is, after a very thorough cleaning.

[vance71975]

I've come across 4 stainless steel rods and agitators that were removed from a waste water treatment system (metal plating and finishing) and I am wondering if anyone has any input as to how to properly clean these to ensure no leaching of chemicals into my beer.

The treatment system was segregated between acids and cyanides, so I can't be sure which agitators came from where, but suffice to say, they were used in either process.

Any harm in using these for stirring mash/water now? - that is, after a very thorough cleaning.

If Possible i would start by boiling them for at least an hour,followed by a good scrub down with bleach and soapy water, followed by another boil. I would also add a box of baking soda to BOTH boil waters, if they were used in acid this will neutralize it. Following this process SHOULD make them safe to use.

[seafra]

Bleach is not recommended for use with stainless steel. It will pit the surface and can de-passivate the stainless steel causing rust when used in too high of concentration.

PBW or Oxyclean will eat any organic material. I can't speak knowledgeably about chemical contamination, but would assume that it would be minimal with stainless steel.
________
Toyota fj40 specifications (http://www.toyota-wiki.com/wiki/Toyota_FJ40)

[nelstrodomus]

Bleach is not recommended for use on stainless steel. Bleach will pit the surface of stainless, and it will de-passivate the surface if used in too high a concentration causing rust.

PBW or Oxyclean will eat off any organic material. I can't speak knowledgeably about chemical contamination, but would assume that it would be minimal with SS.


I was thinking long, hot soaks in PBW and some other carbonate cleaners would do the trick.

I also plan on scrubbing down with brillo pads, I know it will ruin the finished look, but will that compromise the SS qualities?

[seafra]

Do NOT use Brillo pads or any other steel wool on stainless steel. It will make stainless rust. Steel wool is a low grade steel product and particles of it will become imbedded in the surface of the SS causing rust. SS is an alloy that contains chromium and the "passivation" process essentially removes free iron from the surface making it corrosion resistant...not corrosion proof. If you grind low grade steel into the surface of SS or remove the passivated surface it will corrode/rust. A Scotchbrite type scouring pad is recommended for SS.

You can re-passivate SS with a nitric acid or oxalic acid solution, which in your case, may even help with your decontamination objective. But still don't use steel wool, even if you plan to passivate.

Here are a few commercial SS cleaning products that are oxalic acid based that you should be able to find in stores: Revere Ware Copper and Stainless Cleanser, Bar Keeper's Friend, and Kleen King Stainless Steel Cleanser.
________
DRUG TEST (http://drugtestingkit.org)

[nelstrodomus]

seafra, thanks for your input, and I meant a scotchbrite pad in the first place, my error.

I'll also purchase one of the cleaners based on cost, looks like I'm going to have myself some sweet free agitators...

[vance71975]

seafra, thanks for your input, and I meant a scotchbrite pad in the first place, my error.

I'll also purchase one of the cleaners based on cost, looks like I'm going to have myself some sweet free agitators...

How bout a photo of them?

[Mikegobrew]

Here are a few commercial SS cleaning products that are oxalic acid based that you should be able to find in stores: Revere Ware Copper and Stainless Cleanser, Bar Keeper's Friend, and Kleen King Stainless Steel Cleanser.

I use Bar Keeper's Friend on my keggle and "kegtun".