Rust Removal using Electrolysis

[dobeleo 7]

I set up an electrolysis tank in a 5 gallon pail to chean some parts. I have 12 gauge copper wire connected to my anode (hunk of rebar) and my part.

How long does it take to remove rust? I had it working overnight. I see some improvement, I have just never done anything like this before.

I appreciate any comments or recommendations!

As you can see from the pic below, I have a little rust to clean up!

Dan

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[VinsRJ 723]

I like to let my cleaning process to go at least 24 hours, sometimes a little more, depending on how rusty the part was to start with.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,362]

Is the pos and neg hooked up right? Does your part look like it is getting dirty? You should see the water bubble a bit after about 1 min being hooked up.

[dobeleo 7]

I am hooked up correctly, Positive (rebar) Negative (part), I have copper wire tightly secured to each, you just see small bubbles coming up from part, I am using an old charger, the meter is broken, something is happening, guess I am just impatient.

I am making other progress on the beast though!

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[CasualObserver 3,408]

I would suggest getting rid of the copper wire and getting some steel. When you get ugly colored crap in your water... that's from the copper. It also helps speed the process if you give it a good scratching with a wire brush before you put it in. The process itself will depend on how much rust there is and keep in mind it works pretty much on a 'line of sight' theory, so you need to have the part surrounded by sacrificial anodes.

Electrolysis has been discussed here many, many, many times.... here's just a quick search result from the word electrolysis over 30 days ago. Lots and lots of good information in these topics. Click here for search results.

[linen beige 14]

Just to clarify what Jason brought up. Copper wire CAN be used to make connections tying together multiple electrodes etc. without issue as long as it IS NOT immersed in the solution. If it gets wet THEN it will generate the green, slimy stuff. In other words, leave the top of your sacrificial electrode sticking up out of the solution and hook the copper to the dry portion. To acheive this on the part being cleaned, you can use steel or iron wire/chain (not galvanized as it also generates slime) to suspend the part so that it is covered by solution and connect the steel wire to copper ABOVE the waterline.

Your other advise is spot on. B)

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

It also helps speed the process if you give it a good scratching with a wire brush before you put it in.

This point can't be emphasized enough - a good electrical connection at the part and anode rods makes all the difference!!

The current flow depends on SURFACE AREA of the anodes and your part.

4 rebar anodes in a tank derusting a carb air filter cover - maybe 1 -2 amps of flow

4 rebar anodes in a tank derusting a seat pan - maybe 10 - 12 amps of flow

quick review - no copper (messy) and no chrome (deadly) in the tank.

[linen beige 14]

no chrome (deadly) in the tank.

:party:

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

[CasualObserver 3,408]

no chrome or stainless steel.

[Dresden Guy 24]

Did you add Calcium Carbonate to the water? Arm & Hammer Washing Soda is CaCO4 is the same thing. Also, remember if you use a AUTOMATIC battery charger, it may well stop charging when the solution reaches a level telling it to shut off. It is best to use a constant current, 12V power supply, that maintains the current flow at all times.

[dobeleo 7]

Thank you for all your comments!

Responses to your comments:

I have the power hooked up correctly, (+) to anode, (-) to rusty part

I sanded the contact points that the wires are connected to

I added about 1/2 cup of Washing Soda, wife found it at the store

I am using 12 GA copper wire, it is not submerged.

My anode is a 18", 3/4" dia. steel stake. Left over from when I formed out my patio.

I think my charger is on it's last leg. I barely notice bubbles coming from the part. Trying to borrow a different charger now.

Thanks for all your comments!

Dan

[linen beige 14]

Add more anodes. That will give you more surface area, hence more work.