Galvanized steel?

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chemistiller
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Galvanized steel?

Post by chemistiller »

I know zinc is a hard metal but don't know much about its reactivity to the alcohols and ketones and everything produced in a run.

I know it would be an awkward inefficient use of all that heavy steel, because you could go much with thinner walls, but fence posts are everywhere people are always replacing them, and some of them are thick enough to look like reflux column to me.

Anyone see a flaw in my logic? do galvanized steel fence posts belong in the What not to Use category?

Most chain-link fence is galvanized (coated with zinc)

Metal fence posts for chain link fence are usually also galvanized steel

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/info_8069654_kind-m ... fence.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
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ga flatwoods
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by ga flatwoods »

Sure, even use it on your aluminum pot for essential oils not to be consumed or applied to the human body. CERTAINLY NOT for use on a copper or stainless pot that will be used for medicinal production of alcohol or essential oils.
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by Windy City »

Copper or Stainless are the only approved metals.
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by chemistiller »

Thanks for the opinions, next time hold the attitude please

Ive never seen any other type of steel mentioned anywhere, I know the forum wont support anything but ss and copper, but I was thinking someone might have a specific reason not to use it.

When I started way back I didn't know not to use aluminum, i guess i shouldn't have told anyone I made a mistake once, and I'm sorry my side goal w/ oils seems trivial to you, I guess I shouldn't have discussed that either. I feel very attacked here


why am i letting myself get so upset here its just the internet, i will take the advice on not using them, i probably wasn't going to anyway (look where I put the thread) I was just curious. There are many other materials not to use and why in here, I thought this one would be a useful discussion Sorry (the sorry should be read in a slightly sarcastic tone)
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by Bob Loblaw »

Don't feel attacked. It's just the tone that gets used here sometimes, like it matters to anyone whether or not something is "approved" by HD.

But I would take away that - based on years of usage & study by forum members - there is a strong consensus that SS and Copper are the only metals recommended for use. I think it's also true that since the consensus is so strong, discussion of "why" this is the case won't really be tolerated. There's plenty of background materials in the forums for anyone curious about the question. Things just don't need to be rehashed daily. It's not personal. There are just a ton of naive repetitive questions that are best handled with the search button (e.g. use of plastics, glass thumpers...)
Last edited by Bob Loblaw on Thu Jul 03, 2014 1:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by rad14701 »

If you really need a reason, and don't want to do any independent research, it's because hot alcohol vapor causes zinc to deteriorate and it will taint your spirits, potentially to a toxic level... We have rules for a reason, and part of that reason is to keep people who don't know any better safe... How do I know what I know and you don't...??? Because I make sure I know enough to keep myself, and others, safe... I've even seen a zinc component completely deteriorated to failure on someone elses still... Now you know...

Get used to the attitude and get a thick skin... You'll need it in this hobby... Johnny Law ain't gonna treat you like a prissy schoolgirl if you get caught running a still, no matter what it's made of...

Copper or stainless for good reason... :eugeek:

Posted the same time as Bob Loblaw...
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by chemistiller »

rad14701 wrote:If you really need a reason, and don't want to do any independent research, it's because hot alcohol vapor causes zinc to deteriorate and it will taint your spirits, potentially to a toxic level... We have rules for a reason, and part of that reason is to keep people who don't know any better safe... How do I know what I know and you don't...??? Because I make sure I know enough to keep myself, and others, safe... I've even seen a zinc component completely deteriorated to failure on someone elses still... Now you know...

....
Thank you, I just figured if it seemed like a good idea to me, others might have the same idea. I guess I just should have looked up reactivity of zinc w/ ethanol (independent research, right) and posted that info,

but I just thought if there was known problems it would carry more weight coming from one of you, and if there were not it would warrant more research on my part. I guess I was kind of setting myself up the way I worded the thread, but I figured I'd be guided into understanding, not chastised for my lack there of.

I still think bringing up my prior mistakes as if I was still making them (i.e. aluminum boiler) along w/ the sarcasm was immature. Never the less I feel you summed up this thread real quick and I appreciate it
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by ga flatwoods »

I still think bringing up my prior mistakes as if I was still making them (i.e. aluminum boiler) along w/ the sarcasm was immature.


Referring to me? Who said I was being sarcastic? :lolno:
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by MDH »

Galvinized steel reacts with any trace of copper salts producing copper metal dust, carbon and iron salts.

Stainless possesses a layer of chromium oxide. This is almost inert with very few exceptions.
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by W Pappy »

rad14701 wrote:If you really need a reason, and don't want to do any independent research, it's because hot alcohol vapor causes zinc to deteriorate and it will taint your spirits, potentially to a toxic level... We have rules for a reason, and part of that reason is to keep people who don't know any better safe... How do I know what I know and you don't...??? Because I make sure I know enough to keep myself, and others, safe... I've even seen a zinc component completely deteriorated to failure on someone elses still... Now you know...

Get used to the attitude and get a thick skin... You'll need it in this hobby... Johnny Law ain't gonna treat you like a prissy schoolgirl if you get caught running a still, no matter what it's made of...

Copper or stainless for good reason... :eugeek:

Posted the same time as Bob Loblaw...
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by ManicPenguin »

chemistiller wrote:I know zinc is a hard metal but don't know much about its reactivity to the alcohols and ketones and everything produced in a run.

I know it would be an awkward inefficient use of all that heavy steel, because you could go much with thinner walls, but fence posts are everywhere people are always replacing them, and some of them are thick enough to look like reflux column to me.

Anyone see a flaw in my logic? do galvanized steel fence posts belong in the What not to Use category?
sorry, I just had to post something.

Zinc is NOT a hard metal. Also, Zinc is generally VERY reactive, particularly to salt, acids, AND bases. It even will oxidize in pure water (PH 7.0).

Zinc is used as a lead substitute in bullets due to its density and softness. It is a heavy metal, not as toxic as lead (not even close) but it is still a toxic metal. Zinc toxicity is well below the tasting point with chronic (ongoing) exposure. Also, like lead, Zinc can accumulate in the body.

Now, here is why people think Zinc is hard, non-corroding, and safe:

#1: People think Zinc is a hard metal because they usually only encounter it when it is plating something....which is usually harder than the zinc. Imagine coating a steel pipe with a .3mm layer of plastic, it would feel hard like steel, but it is just a soft substance that is so thin that it feels hard due to the substrate.

#2: Zinc corrodes, but like aluminum it is a self-protecting corrosion. A layer of oxidation forms over the zinc and as long as that layer of oxidation remains intact, the underlying metal is preserved. In a still you will run the risk of leaching the metal every time you stir a galvanized pot, or adjust a pipe fitting, or when the flow of alc is sufficient to erode the oxide.

#3: Zinc is not even safe for cold water pipes. Steel water pipe is only galvanized on the outside, another coating is put on the inside of the pipe. As a soft, heavy-metal it can be stupid toxic.


Please please please do not use the Zinc pipes. treat Zinc like it is lead.
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by CanadianBacon »

Even using galvinized steel in smokers is a no no, I would stay away.
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by DAD300 »

AW, NAH MAN...I've eatin jerk chicken cook under a piece of galvin roofin! All O.k....
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by dakotasnake »

iv seen galvinized steel detereate with apple cider viniger in no time, theres no way in hell id want it in contact with my likker. while some zinc is good for the body, studies have shone that to much can cause mental illness, sickness or even death.
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Re: Galvanized steel?

Post by Arash »

is there any kind of information about health concerns of using galvanized boilers for distilling rubbing alcohol? does anybody know if it's safe to cook the wash in a galvanized pot to distill high purity alcohol to be used just as hand sanitizer?
People are in shortage of sanitizers here in Iran and situation is worse than any other countries but the government keeps the casualties toll under wraps.
any help is much appreciated
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