Re-using anodes

[pheran]

Over the years, I seem to have amassed a small collection of large hull anodes. None are noticeably eroded but all are covered by a hard, rough, white coating (calcium based perhaps?). If I remove this coating with an angle-grinder or such (it will need at least that degree of 'force'), are the anodes likely to be fit for further service? TIA

 

[maby]

Sure hope so - 'cos that's exactly what I did a couple of weeks ago. You could still read the manufacturer's name and part number embossed into the anode, so I decided to clean it up. It wasn't so much a means of saving money - probably would not have cost more than £15 - just to avoid the hassle of having to get into the car and drive round to the chandlery to get a replacement.

 

[pheran]

It wasn't so much a means of saving money - probably would not have cost more than £15 - just to avoid the hassle of having to get into the car and drive round to the chandlery to get a replacement.

Hmmm..... those of mine are of the 72B variety, nominal weight c12Kgs (and all of mine come very close to that weight). These have an RRP of around £165 each (available at a discount from on-line chandlers at £136) so I have to admit to a more than passing financial interest!! I could even consider giving some away as Christmas presents, assuming a) I can clean them off and b) they work when so treated!!!!

 

[superheat6k]

Have you tried a powerful jet washer to remove the white deposit ? Cleared it from my dangling anode.

 

[maby]

It does occur to me that some anodes are magnesium, not zinc, and these probably should be treated with a little care - it's quite flammable and nasty stuff if it does catch fire - aggressive cleaning with sanders or grinders may not be a great idea.

 

[LadyInBed]

Tap them with hammer / chisel, than heavy wire brush on drill (use face mask).
If you get 60% or more of surface clean then it is perfectly serviceable.

 

[vyv_cox]

There is a good paper that I have on my laptop but not on this iPad that says anodes should not be cleaned with a steel wire brush, as the effect of a very small iron content in the zinc is quite considerable in reducing their effectiveness. A brass wire brush or some other non-ferrous abrasion mechanism might be more effective.

 

[maby]

There is a good paper that I have on my laptop but not on this iPad that says anodes should not be cleaned with a steel wire brush, as the effect of a very small iron content in the zinc is quite considerable in reducing their effectiveness. A brass wire brush or some other non-ferrous abrasion mechanism might be more effective.

I used a power detail sander

 

[johnalison]

I was told by someone that an anode that has been immersed will not work after drying out for about two weeks, so cleaning is obviously necessary before reuse.

 

[LadyInBed]

There is a good paper that I have on my laptop but not on this iPad that says anodes should not be cleaned with a steel wire brush, as the effect of a very small iron content in the zinc is quite considerable in reducing their effectiveness. A brass wire brush or some other non-ferrous abrasion mechanism might be more effective.

Good point.