HDPE Container

[sewerratt]

I have HDPE containers (app 12-gal) that used to contain granular calcium hypochlorite (65%). I would like to use it to mix and hold wine ingredients during primary fermentation (app 2 weeks) prior to transfering to a glass secondary fermenter. (I know, not a chemical process, but this forum is the best I could find). Would the HDPE have absorbed any hypochlorite? Any concerns about the hypochlorite leaching out into the mix? I've had them airing out or full of water for several months and no chlorine odor remains.

 

[saxon]

bshelton, Sounds like a bunch of "ridge runners" I once knew who made "White Lightening" from the excess of the corn crop. For the condenser they used an old truck radiator. One problem, they and their customers came down with lead poisoning from said radiator. BTW, did I mention that some also went blind?

For any food or pharmaceutical application its best to use new virgin equipment that has been properly cleaned and not comtaminated with prior use chemicals and is compatible with the compounds in contact with it. As a matter of fact, the FDA demands it. This also applies to packaging materials as well.

Hope this helps.
saxon

 

[sewerratt]

Ridge runners we're not. It's all legal as far as IRS is concerned, but certainly not FDA-approved, however our product is not for sale. It's hard to find new containers in the size we need. My question remains simply a chemical one: Will HDPE adsorb, absorb or otherwise retain traces of Calcium Hypochlorite after washing? All the HDPE manufacturers state it is inert to Hypo. Is that the same thing?

 

[StoneCold]

sewerrat
No one here is going to go out on a limb enough to say that it is ok to use a used chemical container, regardless of the material it is made of, to make wine in. Sorry the responsibilty is all yours. However as Saxton pointed out you would be a lot smarter and probably live longer if you just buy a new tank.

Regards
StoneCold

 

[pennpoint]

sewerratt
U.S Plastics Corp. has Open Head Drums, 16gal $31 + frgt.
P/N 75044 See them online at

http://www.usplastic.com

I too, recommend you put your must in new containers.

I am not an agent for US Plastic, I just use their products.

Cheers!

pennpoint