Cleaning Rusty Gear

I think I know the answer to this, but prove me wrong…

I recently purchased a used 3-vessel system. Overall the system is in great shape, however it was stored in a shed for a while. The kettles have some minor rust but should clean up just fine. The false bottoms are proving to be another story. The minor surface rust on them wasn’t an issue, but there was some heavier rust and oxidation on the welds.

I’ve tried BKF, it’s not cutting it. I’m assuming that any and all rust must go, but I can’t seem to shift the rust from the weld spots. If it can’t be fixed easily, I’ll just fab up a new mount and use my SS Brewtech mash tun in it’s place.

Did you try a copper or stainless brush with the BKF?

No, I was using a hard bristle plastic brush. Basically made a paste of BKF and hot water, and let that sit on the spots for a while. The thing is, if it’s too much work to get rid of the spots it would just be easier to make a new bracket to mount the SS Brewtech mast tun on the tippy dump instead. I don’t know if the little bits of rust will affect the flavor of the brews or not.

If you have a Dremel Tool you might want to try their burnishing or polishing tools.

Paul

Try the metal brushes, but I wouldn’t leave rust in there.

I would try a small stainless wire brush. It would be worth the $3 to try with the BKF. I’ve had decent success with this in an older 10 gal Polarware I have.

I’m assuming the welds are SS.  It sounds like the welds need passivating.  Can you get some nitric acid?

I’ll try the wire brushes next, yes I have a dremel but hopefully it doesn’t come to that…

The weld filler and the base material looks fine, it’s the area around the weld that’s corroded/rusted. I don’t think their sanitary weld practices were the best…