Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

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Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby Gnomatic » 13 Jun 2022, 00:25

A shirley PSU Story

Over the last few days, I've been playing around using one of shirley's power supplies for removing rust on some old tools, via electrolysis in a 5gal bucket..

I started with a power supply set 24V and 15 amps Max. My first 'tool' I'm trying this out on is a really old railroad spike and of course it's VERY rusty. I'm using plain steel annealed wire to suspend the railroad spike into the solution and the end coming out of the water is connected to the anode. For my sacrificial steel. I have a couple pieces of angle iron wired together and connected to the cathode.

Once underway, I noticed slowly the current started to climb from about 7 amps and started to approach the limit of 15. What I didn't expect or understand is the voltage starting to fall? After a while, I reduced the current limit to 8 amps and then 4A. And the voltage fell further?

The rust is definitely coming off the railroad spike. I can see that. I guess I want to know the ’why’ as to what I observed above. :geek:
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Re: Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby Burgerman » 13 Jun 2022, 00:31

As the current reaches your limit, of say 7A, how do you suppose you can mainain this as the current tries to rise further. It can only reduce volts to maintain your 7A.
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Re: Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby martin007 » 13 Jun 2022, 00:54

You owe us some pictures of the event...
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Re: Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby Gnomatic » 13 Jun 2022, 01:05

Thanks for the clear, concise answer. Makes total sense.

I pulled the spike out and gave it a good scrub. Holy crap there was a ton of black crud left behind!
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Re: Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby Gnomatic » 13 Jun 2022, 01:09

martin007 wrote:You owe us some pictures of the event...


Will, do but I didn't get any 'before' pics of the railroad spike. Don't worry, more rusty old tools to follow. I'll be sure to get pics!
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Re: Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby Burgerman » 13 Jun 2022, 09:06

If you do it the other way aroynd, and set 50A max and limit the volts to say 4V then it will bethe current that fals in order to maintain your 4 volts.
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Re: Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby Gnomatic » 13 Jun 2022, 15:29

Will higher current remove the rust faster?
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Re: Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby Burgerman » 13 Jun 2022, 16:36

There will be an optimum rate that doesent leave damage etc.
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Re: Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby Gnomatic » 13 Jun 2022, 20:43

martin007 wrote:You owe us some pictures of the event...


While I don't have a 'before' pic of the old railroad spike, below is the closest thing I have - a pic of the rust particles removed from the spike that have settled out of the solution overnight and collected at the bottom of the bucket.

Image

..... and here is the 'after' pic of the spike now.

Image

I need to hit it with a wire brush to clean it up a bit more.
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Re: Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby Burgerman » 13 Jun 2022, 20:53

You might want to try doing some nickel plating.

It looks as good as chrome, is very hard wearing, and corrosion proofs copper or brass.

Its a one step process.
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Re: Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby Gnomatic » 13 Jun 2022, 20:57

I like that idea!
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Re: Rust Removal Via Electrolosys

Postby Burgerman » 13 Jun 2022, 21:07

Well you can easily make the green solution from vinigar and nickel. See youtube. Or just buy it on ebay... And you need around 3V and 1A for small stuff. And a couple of bits of nickel. Ebay...

You also need it around 50 centigrade. So I fitted a heater plug from a diesel engine...

For cleaning, you need scouring pad, and dip in acid like muriatic or sulphuric or something and a rinse with water. To remove oxides. I didnt have those. To do the copper coins I just cleaned with green scouring sponge and sprayed with brake cleaner. Worked fine.
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