Epoxy resin and drinking water.

[boguing]

I have written to SP Systems to ask if SP106 is OK for use in a drinking water container, but they aren't to snappy about replying.

So I thought I'd throw it open here. Don't want to poison myself or have dodgy tasting drinks.

If the answer is no, then what could I coat it with? Bitumen?

Thanks all.

 

[lw395]

I believe you will find there are specific 'food grade' or 'potable water safe' epoxy coatings.

 

[Boathook]

I have written to SP Systems to ask if SP106 is OK for use in a drinking water container, but they aren't to snappy about replying.

So I thought I'd throw it open here. Don't want to poison myself or have dodgy tasting drinks.

If the answer is no, then what could I coat it with? Bitumen?

Thanks all.

I used to ring SP (in Cowes) and speak to one of the 'technical' people.

 

[TimBennet]

There's plenty on the West Epoxy website about its use in making watertanks.

I don't know if they are the same formulation.

 

[Rossynant]

Depends what you take as poison. Epoxy is chemically made of Bisphenols, phenols and/or formaldehyde, cresol - depends on type. Now those are polymerized so not soluble - until some will dissolve. Some are 'approved'
After all plastic bottles (not made of bisphenol, just have some too) are used and approved for water, aren't they?

Being biologist could write more, but this is illustrated magazine site.

Non toxic is stainless. Or close.
Have seen tanks (GRP integral) treated with wax, sprayed hot. Helped the taste.

 

[Burnham Bob]

i have a treasured mug which developed a hairline crack. i filled it with marine epoxy which has made quite a nice seal so the mug is usable again. it has discoloured badly with coffee stains but i'm still here to tell the tale.......

 

[Rossynant]

Yup, this will not kill you, as cigarettes also would not.
As there is ongoing research on other BP-s can't say honestly, for instance what is in those 'approved for food' kinds and if safe or not. But then - was advised by surveyor to put filters for drinking from a tank, or fit another safe... He probably has no data at hand too.

Just to say there is more to it than what sellers of the plastic write on can; I remember one particular toxin that was evidently proven to be dangerous 30 years ago, still not taken off 'safe' list.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A