Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Steam => Topic started by: kiwimodeller on May 22, 2010, 11:44:28 am

Title: De-scaling boilers
Post by: kiwimodeller on May 22, 2010, 11:44:28 am

Hi, my oldest steam boat is now over five years old and so I decided to give her a birthday. Among the things on the "to do" list was de - scale the boiler. Although she has probably only had twenty sailing days in five years she has sat around with water in the boiler so today I went down to the local hardware. They had two products, both of which in the fine print said "not for use on copper, brass or aluminium". So my questions are should I bother to dscale and if so what do I use? Thanks, Ian.

Title: Re: De-scaling boilers
Post by: Bunkerbarge on May 22, 2010, 12:13:27 pm

A mild solution of vinegar should shift any hard scale build up but to remove any sludge and soft deposits left I would connect the boiler to a pressurised water supply and flush it through very thoroughly.

Title: Re: De-scaling boilers
Post by: steamboatmodel on May 22, 2010, 04:48:30 pm

I use ether vinegar or citric acid, then rinse well.
Regards,
Gerald.

Title: Re: De-scaling boilers
Post by: kiwimodeller on May 23, 2010, 10:30:09 am

Thanks for that both. Gerald I recently bought some citric acid powder with the idea of using it to clean up fittings after soldering. Any suggestions on how strong a brew to make? Do I need to boil it up in the boiler? Cheers, Ian.

Title: Re: De-scaling boilers
Post by: steamboatmodel on May 23, 2010, 02:39:39 pm

I use about three tablespoons per quart in warm water. I just let it sit in the boiler for a while then pour it out.
Regards,
Gerald.

Title: Re: De-scaling boilers
Post by: kiwimodeller on May 24, 2010, 11:21:46 am

That sounds easy! Thanks for your help. Cheers, Ian.