boblangdon Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 (edited) I've managed to make "pyro-grade " benzoates and carbonates VERY cost-effectively, and am thinking I could make larger quantities quickly and efficiently.The stumbling block, of course, is equipment costs invovled in making 50-100 lbs at a time. I don't think I want to invest in 20L (5 gallon) pyrex ware. What are the alternatives? Will good-quality Stainless Steel resist the effects of benzoic acid (et al) without leaching unwanted material?What other choices are there?I'm sure chemical "factories" don't use 10,000-gallon borosilcate containers. Edited August 1, 2015 by boblangdon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boblangdon Posted August 1, 2015 Author Share Posted August 1, 2015 OK, a couple of more hours of searching and I found this tidbit from a fella' named BAGGS: http://www.amateurpyro.com/forums/topic/840-copper-benzoate/ 4) Very Large Pot for process, teflon coated or ceramic (No exposed metal) :-) I trust that's sound advice?Did I mention I'm NOT a chemist? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davidg1 Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 It is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boblangdon Posted August 1, 2015 Author Share Posted August 1, 2015 What about ceramic-coated or "graniteware" stock pots?Would they suffuce? Granted it probably wouldn't last long, but at <$70 for 20000ml containers, I could afford to replace them regularly. The same size in borosilicate would be $400+ (and I'd probably break them).:-( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boblangdon Posted August 1, 2015 Author Share Posted August 1, 2015 WOuld something along these lines be suitable (if inspected for chips regularly)?http://www.amazon.com/Granite-Ware-6316-1-19-Quart-Lobster/dp/B0000BYDKH/ref=sr_1_8?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1438467289&sr=1-8&refinements=p_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A2242050011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mumbles Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 If you don't need to heat anything, then HDPE would be ideal. If you do need to heat it, then I'd look into stainless steel. It will hold up to benzoic acid, and should be resistant to copper sulfate and other salts. You may want to buy a cheap one, or find something smaller scale at Goodwill to test though. The enameled pot you posted probably would work fine as well as far as I can tell. I'd watch for scratches and chips like you said. I suspect the metal underneath would be attacked if it were ever to be exposed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boblangdon Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share Posted August 2, 2015 Thanks! I will be heating the C₇H₆O₂ in order dissolve it in water.Good to know I can (probably) get away with the low-cost, enameled container.In fact I think I have one in the basement. I know I have a 5-gallon SS pot (although that's for cheese making ;-). I'm not so much worried about damage to my containers (although I certainly would prefer not), but I don't want to contaminate my my product!:-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milyan720 Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 (edited) You could possibly buy a ss pot and spray it with spray on enamel if you wanted to Edited August 6, 2015 by Milyan720 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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