refurbishing aluminum water tanks

[eianm]

I have embarked on a project to refurb. my 2 x aluminum water tanks on my H42. I am not as brave as Dean (TTAC)- I have done a lot of research and will post a detailed summary of this project over coming weeks. It will include before and after scientific water tests!
I hope this could be a major break through in this area!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Curious what research you refer to. And what water test(s) bear on the issue of pin hole corrosion?

 

[eianm]

I have been looking for a coating I could apply that was 100% safe/ non leech-able - intended for potable water- I have finally found something. As I am sure you will be aware, human aluminium intake is dangerous and thought to be a carcinogen.
So I will have water tested prior to refurb. and after refurb. to see EXACTLY what is in my water. I do use an activated carbon filter for a drinking water spout- I will also test water from that. The other point of research was how to effectively fill any pin holes, prior to surface coating.

 

[walmsleyc]

Don't keep it a secret, tell us what your plan is!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I think you are worried about the wrong thing.

Aluminum is neither effectively removed by carbon filtration nor is it typically present in toxic concentration. It will precipitate at normal pH as a white gelatinous substance alum hydroxide.

Studies linking Al in drinking water to human health issues have been inconclusive. The bigger problem is the potential for leaking thereby promoting the growth of molds in volume d spaces around the tank(s) which may be a bigger impact on health.

 

[eianm]

SUCCESS!!!!! I have just posted an article in owner mods- should be published in a few days, but the project has been a TOTAL success- I have set an Outlook diary note to update this post in 12 months time with a progress report confirming the longevity of this project!

 

[Terry Cox]

Better than replacing the tank, eh? Looking forward to your owner mods article. Our 1991 tanks are still okay, but at some point...

 

[eianm]

Better than replacing the tank, eh? Looking forward to your owner mods article. Our 1991 tanks are still okay, but at some point...

here is a picture of the cover plates i made out of polycarbonate that I haven't been able to get Maine sail to add into the owners mods article- i probably went a bit OTT with the bolt spacing's at 30mm, but it wont leak!View attachment 129224

 

[Navicula]

what is the product you used to seal the tanks???

 

[zephyr070]

what is the product you used to seal the tanks???

Eian was kind enough to summarize his project in a Cruising World article, linked here: How to Refurbish Water Tanks

 

[SoSound]

O-K... I just came across that write up earlier today, and it's laying in a pile on the end of my desk...
Cue the Twilight Zone theme...