Beerstone in boilers

[Jerry C]

Is beerstone a potential cause of problems when it is in the boiler? Mine is pretty brown now, and I didn't really think much about it until I came across some articles. They seem to mean the problems are in the fermenters, kegs etc. so I'm somewhat relaxed about the boiler, however someone may know differently.

I see that Murphy's sell Vescal as a beerstone remover - is it useable on plastic?

[Doingatun]

I’m also interested in Murphy's Vescal and wonder if it would be worth trying?

My fermenters always get a little beerstone on the walls it’s also shown up in a corny a few times, it appears as fine scratch like deposits as if it’s attracted to areas of the FV that have been in contact with the paddle during aerating and rousing, powders when scratched of with finger nail. I’ve used distilled white vinegar and a no-scratch scourer to remove deposits which takes a bit of effort.

Never noticed any in the boiler, having very soft water it only appeared once I started with water treatment.

[Beeru]

Have you try vinegar ? I used the most cheap one from market and it took stains away. Chalk remover worked as well ( for bathrooms), pretty heavy stuff.

I`m NOT 100% sure will it work for old stains and so.

[Garth]

I wouldn't have classed the brown deposit in boilers as beerstone. It's the white stuff in fermenters/cornies that appears after a while as mentioned.

I get rid of the brown stuff i the boiler by a good scrub straight after emptying it. It gets all over the elements so should be removed. If you use some caustic in the boiler with water and then set it away boiling it should remove it completely. You can buy it as drain cleaner from most places. Rubber gloves, goggles and protective clothing are a must when messing with this stuff though, and watch the fumes n'all.

[Beeru]

Forget to say that should soak some time with vinegar. Not too poisonous stuff.

[fisherman]

I e-mailed Murphy's last week regarding this and I am informed Vescal is the answer. It is very strong (rubber gloves ) but it does the job instantly. I shall purchase next week with my order.

[Garth]

so basically is it caustic......?

[Aleman]

No It's acidic

[Garth]

try Nitric Acid, top descaler and gets most thing off most things, including flesh off bones.........

[jmc]

Hi

I found this article.

Beerstone is a type of scale of known as calcium oxalate (C2CaO4).

It includes some suggestions on cleaning methods, primarily for commercial brewers.

Sounds like its a real pain to remove if left to build up

Maybe useful info to someone.

ATB
John