Hi!

Started out thinking I might get the answer in the gun finishing section, but it dawns on me that this might be a better place to ask.


I need to basically boil something in a solution of lye. A lot of lye, I think.

I got a pressure cooker I wanted to use, so that I could also do it under pressure, but lye and aluminum hate each other.

What else can I use to do this, or is there something to coat my cooker with to make it ok to use?


Thanks!

Shawn

Do not try this in aluminum and for goodness sake not under pressure.

Stainless, Pyrex glass, or intact enameled cookware.

Outside.

Go slow, have a gallon of vinegar handy to help neutralize any small spills or burns.

If you do it in a 55 gallon barrel you can bury everything at once.

ETA: Seriously though, make sure you do it outside, the fumes will kill you or make you wish you were dead, and if you don't mind me asking, what are you boiling?

+1

My vote is for stainless steel first as there is no chance of breaking it.  Wear safety goggles!

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I'm trying to break down fibers for homemade paper.

The procedures I am following parallel some commercial processes.

So, I want to inject steam into a rotating chamber partially full of fibers and a 5-10% lye solution that is being heated.


I have done a TON of research. I can't find a single viable way to coat my pressure cooker (Al), or this great pot I bought for non-pressurized cooking (also Al).

So...

I guess this is back burnered for awhile. Last thing I was researching was finding a piece of eight inch cast iron pipe and welding the ends closed, and putting a hatch in the center.

It's pissing me off, because I don't like hearing there is no good/inexpensive answer, and I'm pretty good with organic chemistry applied to energetic research. I never woulda thought this would be what would wind up stumping me.

Thanks for the responses!

Shawn

LOL!

If you boil it, you don't hafta bury it... it'll eventually just pour out!