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How to remove flux from inside column
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 10:57 pm
by 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).
Re: How to remove flux from inside column
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:09 pm
by 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
Re: How to remove flux from inside column
Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 12:32 am
by 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.
Re: How to remove flux from inside column
Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 12:58 pm
by 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...
Re: How to remove flux from inside column
Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 7:59 pm
by 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?
Re: How to remove flux from inside column
Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 8:02 pm
by 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
Re: How to remove flux from inside column
Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 10:41 pm
by 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
Re: How to remove flux from inside column
Posted: Fri Jul 30, 2010 3:05 pm
by 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?
Re: How to remove flux from inside column
Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 5:16 pm
by 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.
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