[Shop-talk] FW: Anode for compressor

[Jack Brooks]

Dave,

No, I don't think so.  

If the anode is connected to the steel tank, the magnesium anode will react
with the steel it is in contact with.  I believe that the reaction will take
place between the magnesium and the steel center rod it is formed around,
instead of between the magnesium and the water.  At least that's how it
looks logically to me.

Back to my initial logic.  

Putting the anode at the bottom of the tank, provides a long contact area,
and any water at the bottom of the tank would provide that electrolyte.  

Now I am back to thinking. . . . . Which is better?

Jack 

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave & M [mailto:rusd at sitestar.net] 
Sent: Friday, August 10, 2007 11:48 AM
To: Jack Brooks
Cc: 'Shop-Talk List'
Subject: Re: [Shop-talk] FW: Anode for compressor

Jack,

What are you going to use for electrolyte, fill the tank with water?
Otherwise, it will be just like a battery with no electrolyte in it.

Dave Russell

Jack Brooks wrote:
> Thanks for all of the responses.  
> 
> I do believe that having a solid connection to the tank has merit.  I 
> had not thought about that.  While I'm not going to weld or bolt up to 
> an certified tank, I'm looking at ways that I can attach the anode to 
> the 2 inch (+/-) plug in the tank.  It could then be screwed in.
> 
> Yes, I am aware of how nicely Magnesium burns.  We used to use it in 
> the manufacture of 75 and 90mm artillery sabots and I happen to be 
> near a milling machine when they ignited one.  YIKES!
> 
> Jack