How to remove flux from inside column

[Mel Gibson]

I used a lot of flux when soldering up my column now there is flux running down the inside. When I say flux, I mean FLUX. I would say there is at least a bottle cap full lingering around in there. So is there a trick to getting that stuff out? I can imagine once it gets hot it will just run down to the boiler during the cleaning run(s).

[olddog]

Yup a cleaning run with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water and run the still hard like you would when doing a stripping run. Then give it a good flush out with a hose pipe.


OD

[leiothrix]

It also depends on the flux - I have some that says to clean up with hot caustic. You'd want to be careful doing that of course though.

[rad14701]

An old broomstick or other length of small sized wood, a couple washers, a wood screw, and a piece or two of Scotch Brite can be made into a very effective ramrod bore cleaner... Trim the Scotch Brite as needed but it may work without trimming... You can do the same with a SS scrubber... Powering it with a drill is also an option...

[Mel Gibson]

I could make a ram rod! When i do my cleaning runs will the melted flux run down which I am assuming or will it be carried out with the vapor?

[olddog]

If its a reflux column it will do both, if its a potstill it will be washed out with the vapor, a good rinse out after should do the trick.


OD

[castleclr]

I fill a 35 gal garbage can with water and a gal of vinegar and a cup of salt and put one end of the column in and soak for a few hours and then flip to the other end and then do use a ramrod, then a hot run. One time I rolled out a length of foil long enough to lay the full length of the colum in and bent the edges of the foil up and supported with boards so i had a tub for the colum to soak in the mixture.
c

[Mel Gibson]

These are all useful suggestions. Thank you. What if I used a heat gun and blew it down the end and alternated with a ram-rod?

[LHD]

There are some companies that produce flux that is water soluble. It works great and rinses immediately when touched, even with cold water! Laco is the brand i use. even if you have to pay for shipping, it is cheaper in the long run compaired to time and expense of vinegar after a while.

http://www.laco.com/prod/57/flux-rite-90-flux.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow