Using stainless steel as an anode for Cast Iron

[tiptiptoe]

I bought a sheet of 20 gauge stainless steel to act as the anode for my electrolysis tank but I noticed that a magnet will not stick to it at all. My 12 volt charger shows a steady current so I know the power is moving through the water exactly as I planned. I was initially worried that the lack of magnetism would stop the cleaning process from working. But magnetism does not actually change how well a metal conducts electricity in this type of tank. The much bigger problem I found is that using stainless steel as an anode is actually quite dangerous because it creates hexavalent chromium in the water. This is a toxic byproduct that is very hard to dispose of safely and can be harmful to your health. I am now switching to a piece of regular scrap iron to keep my workshop safe and avoid creating hazardous waste.

 

[bad J0k3R]

The real problem is that stainless breaks down and makes harmful byproducts you donot want in your shop or breathing air. Scrap iron is safer and cleans just as well because it only produces harmless rust.

 

[the plankton]

I bought a sheet of 20 gauge stainless steel to act as the anode for my electrolysis tank but I noticed that a magnet will not stick to it at all. My 12 volt charger shows a steady current so I know the power is moving through the water exactly as I planned. I was initially worried that the lack of magnetism would stop the cleaning process from working. But magnetism does not actually change how well a metal conducts electricity in this type of tank. The much bigger problem I found is that using stainless steel as an anode is actually quite dangerous because it creates hexavalent chromium in the water. This is a toxic byproduct that is very hard to dispose of safely and can be harmful to your health. I am now switching to a piece of regular scrap iron to keep my workshop safe and avoid creating hazardous waste.

The easiest way is to replace it when it wears down. That way you are not wasting good metal or dealing with disposal issues.

 

[Alan]

The real problem is that stainless breaks down and makes harmful byproducts you donot want in your shop or breathing air. Scrap iron is safer and cleans just as well because it only produces harmless rust.

If you really have no choice, set it up outside. But scrap iron is better in my opinion.