Electrolysis Tank

L

Lois Mack

Member
Hi all I am going to try my hand at building an Electrolysis Tank because I have a lot of iron to clean, my question is can I build it out of a 55 gallon Metal Drum?
 
If the tank itself is metal, then it becomes the defacto anode, and will corrode over time. Some use stainless steel tanks in this way, and the lifespan is much longer than it would be with a regular 55-gallon drum, but those too will eventually perforate from the process. Sturdy plastic drums, trash cans, etc. are the most popular choices. I recommend graphite plate for the anode, as it seems to last the longest and doesn't become coated like metal anodes do.

Related: https://www.castironcollector.com/electrolysis.php
 
Where does one get a graphite plate? My steel anodes require frequent grinding to get a good current flow.
 
eBay, Amazon. I look for 3/8" thickness (not too thick, not too thin), then best price per square inch on something in the vicinity of 12" x 20".
 
Thank you so much, I was outside looking around for something else and we have this deep freezer we are going to take to the dumpster it’s the perfect size I want, will I be able to use it?
 
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Doug D. said:
If the tank itself is metal, then it becomes the defacto anode, and will corrode over time. Some use stainless steel tanks in this way, and the lifespan is much longer than it would be with a regular 55-gallon drum, but those too will eventually perforate from the process. Sturdy plastic drums, trash cans, etc. are the most popular choices. I recommend graphite plate for the anode, as it seems to last the longest and doesn't become coated like metal anodes do.

Related: https://www.castironcollector.com/electrolysis.php
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Thank you very much, this is what I need, wish me luck!!!
 
This is my electrolysis system. I use 2 plates to get better coverage. Container is a trash can from Lowes. Plates, steel shown, are about 9" wide to sit flat against the side without getting into the trash can corner radii.
Electrolysys System.jpg
 
Lois Mack said:
I see them, why is it’s important that they don’t get in the corners?
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The steel plates would eventually wear through the plastic trash can since I use spring clamps to keep them from falling toward whatever I am cleaning. Also, the side of the plate facing the trash can doesn't get as loaded with rust. I can turn the plates around when the first side is loaded with rust.
 
Scott J. said:
The steel plates would eventually wear through the plastic trash can since I use spring clamps to keep them from falling toward whatever I am cleaning. Also, the side of the plate facing the trash can doesn't get as loaded with rust. I can turn the plates around when the first side is loaded with rust.
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Ok ic, thanks!
 
Lois Mack said:
T

Thank you very much, this is what I need, wish me luck!!!
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Doug D. said:
eBay, Amazon. I look for 3/8" thickness (not too thick, not too thin), then best price per square inch on something in the vicinity of 12" x 20".
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I did it, I am so excited my husband decided to help me with my Electrolysis Tank today not finish yet but we are on it this is what we have done thus far, help me if I am doing something wrong, thanks.
 

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My first large eTank was a 55 gal. blue plastic barrel with 2 junk brush hog blades as my anodes. I did not want them sitting on the bottom, so I attached hooks and hung them along the top edge as this made for easy cleaning and also better line of sight placement, also so the anodes would not move or fall over in the tank.
 
Jeffrey R. said:
My first large eTank was a 55 gal. blue plastic barrel with 2 junk brush hog blades as my anodes. I did not want them sitting on the bottom, so I attached hooks and hung them along the top edge as this made for easy cleaning and also better line of sight placement, also so the anodes would not move or fall over in the tank.
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Great idea, I see we have the same tank, do you have pictures?
 
Jeffrey R. said:
Lets see if this works. Doug, these photos are in my old Picasa Album if this does not work maybe we can do something else.

Like I wrote above this was my first eTank from years ago, so it is no more in use.


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Thanks, I cut a section from the side of my drum to use it from the long way so I can clean more than one at a time, now I am wondering if it’s going to be deep enough.

What do your tank look like that you are using now?

Doug what do your tank look like if you don’t mine me asking?
 
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I do not think I have any photos on here of my current set up. Anyway it is a retired maple syrup 45 gal. stainless steel drum, with the bung end cut open and it runs 24/7 year round. I have not had any issues with this set up and I can hang many pieces in there at one time. I do agree with you questioning if it’s going to be deep enough. You can make use the one you are making and get yourself another blue plastic barrel as they are not that costly for larger pieces. You can hang your anodes around the sides similar to what I did, and suspend your iron in the center. Right now I have 3 skillets cooking my current set up.
Take the information from everyones set up and make it work for you.
 
Doug D. said:
eBay, Amazon. I look for 3/8" thickness (not too thick, not too thin), then best price per square inch on something in the vicinity of 12" x 20".
Click to expand...
I must be using the wrong search terms. I can only find dimensions up to about 12" in anything other than thin sheets.
 
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