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Can I re-use these containers?

Post #1 made 10 years ago
by broonzy
Hi all,

I have four HDPE 25 litre "Jerry can" style containers that I'd like to re-use for no chill storage or fermentation.

Problem is, they've previously been used to transport heating oil (Kerosene), all containers were rinsed after use and then stored for a good while now. I've checked that they are all clean but they still smell of fuel.

Can anyone recommend a cleaning regimen or advise if the fuel could have somehow contaminated the plastic itself?

I guess I'm asking that if I can get rid of the smell will they be safe to use?

Assuming that I can use them I plan to keep a little starsan in each one so they are ready to use as and when required.

Thanks in advance,

Broonzy.
    • SVA Brewer With Over 20 Brews From Great Britain

Post #2 made 10 years ago
by mally
Tricky one that Broonzy.

I personally would not want to use them.
A quick read of kerosene on wikipedia shows that it is immiscible in water (hot or cold) so it may not even help to wash in boiling water!

You would need some kind of solvent to remove any "potential" plastic contamination.
It's ultimately your choice, but for me, as they are relatively inexpensive I wouldn't use them for beer.
Last edited by mally on 04 Nov 2014, 20:18, edited 1 time in total.
G B
I spent lots of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I squandered
I've stopped drinking, but only when I'm asleep
I ONCE gave up women and alcohol - it was the worst 20 minutes of my life
    • SVA Brewer With Over 100 Brews From Great Britain

Post #3 made 10 years ago
by broonzy
Thanks for the quick response Mally.

I'm tending to agree now that I've mulled it over.
By the time I've bought and tried a solvent, cleaned and sanitized, it would probably be cheaper and quicker to buy new.

Also, I can keep the containers for next time we get snowed in and run out of fuel! I can't imagine the agony of deciding whether to tip a brew or heat the house, I'm sure my wife and I would differ on that one.

Might re-consider though if anyone else has ideas.

Regards,

Michael.
    • SVA Brewer With Over 20 Brews From Great Britain

Post #5 made 10 years ago
by broonzy
Decided to ditch this idea. I think even if I get rid of the smell and it is safe, I'll still never be sure and probably subconsciously taste it.
    • SVA Brewer With Over 20 Brews From Great Britain

Post #6 made 10 years ago
by mally
Pity you are so far away Broonzy.
I have a few blue HDPE drums that were previously used for analytical grade water. (I have 4 blue & 2 white, but never use the blue ones as I always end up fermenting them, not storing).
Could probably get another six or so too, but shippping/fuel costs would be more than buying new!
G B
I spent lots of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I squandered
I've stopped drinking, but only when I'm asleep
I ONCE gave up women and alcohol - it was the worst 20 minutes of my life
    • SVA Brewer With Over 100 Brews From Great Britain

Post #7 made 10 years ago
by broonzy
Appreciate the thought Mally.

I also have a source for some sturdy food grade containers but at the moment they are too big for my needs (100L I'd guess), but I reserved a couple anyway.

I think I'll just buy a couple of cubes.

Thanks again,

Broonzy.
    • SVA Brewer With Over 20 Brews From Great Britain

Post #8 made 10 years ago
by BobBrews
Broonzy.

Below is what I use. I don't know where you are located but something similar?

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.a ... d=redirect

Search the internet for No-Chill and search YouTube for No-Chill.
http://www.stempski.com/biab.php See the video at the end.
No-chill-fermentation.jpg
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Last edited by BobBrews on 05 Nov 2014, 20:43, edited 1 time in total.
tap 1 Raspberry wine
tap 2 Bourbon Barrel Porter
tap 3 Czech Pilsner
tap 4 Triple IPA 11% ABV
Pipeline: Mulled Cider 10% ABV

http://cheesestradamus.com/ Brewers challenge!
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