[TheForge] RE: pickling solutions

[Bruce Freeman]

pH paper has the same problem as indicator dyes - other colors in the
solution will reduce your ability to read it accurately.  Of course,
even a pH meter can suffer interferences...

Marshall may have soaked stuff for a week, but that's just one of the
variables.  How strong was the vinegar?  (5% max.  acetic acid could be
mixed up stronger.)  Were the surfaces all exposed to the acid, or flat
on the bottom of the container.  Was there any circulation of the acid? 
Those things can make a pickle take longer.

Bruce
NJ

>>> osan at netlabs.net 9/14/2004 6:33:58 PM >>>


Bruce Freeman wrote:

> So, lacking a pH
> meter, the best measure might be how quickly the pickle works to
clean
> the metal.

	Or plain old fashioned pH paper.
> 
> BTW, "battery acid" (sulfuric) and muriatic (hydrochloric) acid are
> stronger acids than sodium bisulfate and will undoubtedly work
faster.
> But they are more hazardous as well.  Phosphoric acid is about the
same
> "strength" (in terms of pH) as bisulfate.  Acetic acid (vinegar) is
a
> good deal less "strong" but will clean metal overnight, in my
limited
> experience.

	remember when Marshall had those plywood pickling tanks in
	the shop?  Didn't the metal sit there for a week or more?
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