Smoker Build

[bbqbuddy]

Hey all,

I have an old propane tank that is galvanized on the outside and am thinking of doing a smoker build with it. I am a welder by trade so I'm fully aware of the harmful fumes that galvanized metal can release when heated to certain temps. My question is what would be the best way to remove the galvanized plating from the outside? Just wondering the best way to approach this. Any advise and incite would be much appreciated. Thanks...

 

[pops6927]

From The Texas BBQ Forum:
You can remove the zinc coating by soaking over night in vinegar or in an hour or so using muriatic acid. A 50% solution of Muriatic acid and water will remove it. be sure to wear eye protection. Placed in diluted muriatic zinc/galvanized will almost instantly begin to react & fizz, even if it is hidden under a rusty layer. Continue bath until ALL fizzing stops, then rinse in baking soda & water to neutralize. It will start rusting very quickly after it is rinsed with clean water. If you use vinegar or acid to remove it, you can neutralize it with water and, as Rick stated, it will rust quickly. However, if you use HOT water, the water will evaporate before it flash rusts.

 

[forktender]

You might want to hit it with a wire wheel to remove as much as you can but I wouldn't worry about it too much Galv. doesn't start to off gas until it reaches 350*.

But personally I'd buy a few wire wheels and go to town on the thing, it's just not worth getting someone sick over a mistake.