My First Electrolysis Tank

[PVF1799]

Hi all - followed the example from this forum and built this 5 gallon tank. At the 2 amp setting on my charger it's running 3.5 volts in the water/TSP solution and 7 volts on the piece being cleaned. I am trying to get my crank handle loose as was suggested last week. I have no clue how long stuff stays in the tank to achieve a result - I love a good learning curve.

Here is a pic of my tank. - Please let me know if the voltage I'm receiving and 2 amp setting is correct.

Ken

Ken's First E-Tank

IMG_2241 (1024x768).jpg (442.72 KiB) Viewed 417 times

[Landreo]

I have a simplistic view on electrolysis, the simpler the better. You will have to clean the rebar so you should have an easy way to remove. I just clamp the anode (rebar) to the side of the tank with a plastic clamp.

Eitherway, I am not sure where you are measuring your voltages but it does not really matter. A 12 volt charger, as much current as it will put out. 2 amps is not much. Need either more rebar although that part looks to be fine or more electrolyte. 2 amps will work but will take a while.

The voltage is not important other than it needs to be more than a few volts. More than that will help get more current flowing. 24 volts works quicker than 12 volts which works quicker than 6 volts simply because more current will flow. The amps does the cleaning, the volts gets the amps flowing through the resistance of the electrolyte.

Somewhere I posted an electrolysis myths thread if you are really interested in some theory but basically: amps, amps, and more amps.

[PVF1799]

Thanks for the feedback. Like I said I'm a newbie to this. I am running at 10 amps now. Feel happy with it a good first attempt. I''d be interested in your post on electrolysis.

[Rudi]

Ken:

That is a very nice little electrolysis tank. Now that you have it up to 10 amps you will be able to see more progress faster. As the amperage goes down that indicates the buildup on the rebar. The ground nuts you have are excellent choices because it will provide a sturdy connection. Yes, it will take you a couple minutes more than say simple battery cables -- Rudi's Electrolysis Tank. but the main advantage in your method is the connection. Like all good circuits you need good connections and you have em. Be Happy with what you have as it is really cool The only shortcoming I see in your tank is capacity. You may decide that you like electrolysis as a great way to clean a lot of stuff -- up to and including torque tubes, finals, hoods (yes .. hoods), implements and all kinds of things.

I have 3 sizes of electrolysis tanks. A 45 Imp Gallon, a 5 Imp Gallon (20 liters) and my 440 Imp Gallon/1600 Liter tank. My take on the 20 Liter tank was to use a metal basket as I want it to clean up small metal parts and nuts/bolts/washers etc.

As far as the science behind electrolysis, I find it to be interesting and a worthwhile read, but in working with it, all that stuff is simply a distraction/side show. Electrolysis is a simple and effective both in a time/cost/energy expenditure as well as ease of the process. Much cheaper than media blasting and much cheaper and easier than wire brushing as a primary means to remove all that gunk.

[allenlook]

That's a darned pretty E-tank!

And to think I used a plastic tub and an old shovel head to get more surface area.

But, it worked wonders on everything I threw in it.

[PVF1799]

That's a darned pretty E-tank!

And to think I used a plastic tub and an old shovel head to get more surface area.

But, it worked wonders on everything I threw in it.

I recall seeing that one in your garage years ago. We put a part to my H in it. Now I have to find that in the what's been called the "Magic Barn" as more and more items get located.