Rust on element

[chris246810]

Did a test run yesterday with just water on the system ive been building to autotune pids and calculate dead space etc.
I emptied the water and dried out with a clean tea towel as soon as I'd finished.
Looked into the pot this morning and noticed this

The element is brand new from angel, only a couple weeks old.

I presume this isn't normal, it's supposed to be stainless.
What should I do?

[Kev888]

Stainless can actually rust (and stain) in the wrong circumstances, so its not necessarily made of the wrong material. It could simply be the workmanship that has made it vulnerable - unless you've done anything that could cause it yourself (e.g. use of wire wool, steel tools or certain chemicals). Also worth a check that it is the element which has rusted, and not something else which has transferred rusty looking deposits, but from your photo it does seem to be the element.

My own approach would be to get it replaced by the retailer. In other circumstances you may be able to clean back the rust and re-passivate, but that relies on you being able to get into the rusted parts if its around a join/crevice and really shouldn't be necessary on a virtually new element.

[simon12]

I would phone the guy at Angel ~Homebrew and see what he says, the no is on his site, I spoke to him ages ago and he seemed very helpful.

[Fil]

fwiw i had a similar issue with different elements from a different and popular online supplier, mine were replaced as soon as i reported the problem and i recieved a prompt refund when the second set went too.. i had bought 4x elements.

So i would expect you to receive similar support from a reputable seller and Angel have got a good rep afaik


if you get no help/support.replacement/refund google pacification of stainless steel,
my lay understanding is that when exposed to welding/braising heats SS can loose its rust proof properties/protective oxide layer, which can be reinstated with an acid treatment

if you have any local SS fabricators it may be worth popping your head round the workshop door and waving it under someones nose with a few bottles of brew visible

[mabrungard]

My heating elements often had iron staining on their end cap. I solved it by coating that area with Silicone rubber to isolate it from the water or wort. I've had no problems since. I do find that its not a permanent fix since I do have to recoat every year or two. You don't need special heat-resistant silicone rubber since the element generally doesn't get much above 100C.

[orlando]

A dab with some phosphoric acid might tidy it up.

[angelHomeBrew]

Hi Chris

Hopefully you got the email back on this

I'm just away on holiday so hope it's ok to sort out when back on 19th August

The elements are full SS316 tubing and base fixing. They are 316 too, not 304 as I paid more for this higher spec

Could be something on the weld maybe where heating tubes fixed to base

It may well clean up with a stainless steel scrubby and repassivate but can sort out for replacement when back from holiday as required. No problem

Regards
Paul

[chris246810]

Thanks Paul, yes I got your email. I have the stuff to clean it up and repassivate but didn't want to try it until Id had the chance to speak to you, thinking it may affect chances of a replacement if it doesn't solve the issue

[angelHomeBrew]

Hi Chris

Have a go at it and see how get on

No problem to return/replace still.

They are all SS316 and think this looks like some issue where tube welded to base

Can sort when back from holiday on 19th

Cheers
Paul

[chris246810]

Well I cleaned it up and repassivated it with some pbw and barkeepers friend last night, it's removed all traces of the rust.
I need to figure out my evaporation rates anyway so will give it a go tonight, hopefully the rust won't return.

[Fil]

tbh i dont know for sure but if using air or the o2 in the air to recreate the protective layer on the surface of dry SS you may need to give it more time, i have a vague recollection of reading that 'natural reoxidation of the chromium elements in the steel can take longer than 24 hours

[chris246810]

Ah right ok thanks, will leave it a couple of days first then. I thought it was an instant thing once it dries

[chris246810]

Just an update, re passivating the element has fixed the issue, I've done a couple of brews with the element in and have seen so signs of the oxidation returning.

[Fil]

[Wonkydonkey]

A dab with some phosphoric acid might tidy it up.

Oxalic acid is another rust remover. Me being a beekeeper I have some
And I think you will find barkeeper friend has both phos & oxalic ??

As I read down I was a bit late to the party ...
But glad it worked..