cleaning new internal element

[ben stiller]

I just installed an internal element into my existing 5 gallon stock pot still. I soldered a stainless 1 inch weld bung in and installed a brand new element. That Harris stay brite is so easy to use. My question is what do I use to clean the element and any leftover flux since this will be below the vapor line in the bottom of the boiler?

[shadylane]

A sacrificial run. Some electric elements are plated with zinc and it will take a couple of runs before it's gone and the copper under it is clean. This is why I only use the more expensive heaters made from Inconel.

[NZChris]

If you can't clean it manually, a sacrificial run is your only option. If you can, and do, clean it manually, a sacrificial run is overkill.

I've never worried about zinc on new elements. It might be why I don't have a zinc deficiency

[ben stiller]

I did buy the better element so I think I will just throw some heads and tails at
30% in the pot and boil away and discard the product. Really only worried about
Any flux the might have gotten past the fitting.