How to clean polymaliec acid deposits off the inside of a barrel

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the cleaning of a blue water barrel that previously contained polymaliec acid, with a focus on whether it is safe and effective to use for composting after cleaning. Participants explore various cleaning methods and safety considerations related to the chemical properties of polymaliec acid.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using water to clean the barrel, noting that polymaliec acid is FDA approved for some food processing purposes, which may imply safety for compost use.
  • Another participant mentions that polymaliec acid is a 50% by weight aqueous solution and that water should dissolve any remaining residues, but if there are non-water soluble materials, they could be something else.
  • There is a suggestion to contact local waste disposal authorities if a significant amount of material remains in the barrel.
  • One participant indicates they are seeking advice from a chemist friend in Spain for more informed guidance.
  • A later reply warns that the manufacturer may advise disposal and discusses the chemical properties of polymaliec acid, suggesting that it may be soluble in water when deprotonated and recommending a cleaning method involving high pH, heat, and detergent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best cleaning method and the safety of using the barrel for compost. There is no consensus on the most effective approach or the necessity of contacting the manufacturer or waste authorities.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference different dilution ratios and cleaning methods from various sources, indicating potential inconsistencies in available information. The discussion includes assumptions about the solubility of polymaliec acid and the safety of using the barrel for composting.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in chemical safety, composting practices, or those dealing with similar cleaning challenges involving chemical residues may find this discussion relevant.

LT72884
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Found a blue water barrel at a thrift store. It is empty, no order but it held belcline 200 aka polymaliec acid. The barrell will be used to hold food scraps, dirt to make compost. How do i clean the barrel? Water? Or should i try and find another barrel
Thanks
 
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According to the datasheet it is FDA approved for some food processing purposes so it should be safe to use the cleaned barrel for compost. The product is sold as a 50% by weight aqueous solution so water will dissolve any remaining residues. If anything in the container is not water soluable then it is probably some other material.

If there is a bulk amount of the material remaining it might be best to contact local waste disposal authorities .

BoB
 
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rbelli1 said:
According to the datasheet it is FDA approved for some food processing purposes so it should be safe to use the cleaned barrel for compost. The product is sold as a 50% by weight aqueous solution so water will dissolve any remaining residues. If anything in the container is not water soluable then it is probably some other material.

If there is a bulk amount of the material remaining it might be best to contact local waste disposal authorities .

BoB
Thanks a ton! I saw the dilution ratio in one of the pdfs i read but then another said something different so i figured i would ask more experienced people
 
I'm going to take my time to answer you. I'm going to ask some friend here in Spain, chemist him.
 
Hello, I've sent an e-mail to CymitQuimica SL, here in Spain. They ask me if I am a company or lab.
 
They are going to tell you to throw it out. Poly maleic acid has many many carboxylic acid groups. Deprotonate them and its probably soluble in water. Check that with the manufacturer. Detergent, high pH (~8-9) and heat should clean it out fine. Hot sodium bicarbonate, a squirt of dishwashing detergent and a brush. Wear PP gear like goggles and heavy rubber gloves.
 

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