Evapo-rust
 

I've mentioned Evapo-rust in a couple of threads today so thought I would expand on it. Its a relatively new to the UK rust-eating solution that is, as far as I can tell, magic. Its not acidic, not alkaline, not phospor-based, biodegradable, safe to handle, and non-toxic, yet somehow rusty steel comes out completely clean, usually after just an overnight soak. Scrape off any chunky rust beforehand obviously so it has less work to do.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon...._AC_SX466_.jpg

Available on Amazon here, it comes in various sizes but the only one which makes financial sense is the gallon. Pour it in to a plastic container and let it do its thing. It doesn't affect paint, rubber, plastics or aluminium.

I can find nothing online about how this stuff works (ergo magic), but its rapidly becoming ubiquitous. Almost all the youtube automotive or engineering channels I watch are using it for cleaning or restoring tools, car parts, machinery etc. I've bought two gallons so far, cleaned loads of things with it, and its still working. There's a bunch of sediment in the bottom of the container which I decant every now and then, and its changed from yellow to green, but its still as effective as it was when it was new.

The gel is less effective and substantially more expensive so I don't use that much, but if something can be dunked in a bucket, game on +++

Does it work on Range Rovers

Only if you can get the Range Rover in a bucket Dezzy. But if its that far gone you can probably get it in a bucket :ROFL:

Watched a few YouTube videos about this stuff, and seems very impressive, so ordered some. Anyone wanting to save a little on cost (like me) can also find it on the following site:

https://www.thompsonsltd.co.uk/qevp5...r-soluble.html

It's listed there at £21.59 (ignore the silly RRP they give), and because I live in NI, I always get stung for additional shipping charges, so I always shop around.

And, its also for 5ltrs for £21.99 and not 1 US Gal (3.78ltrs) for £29.99 on the Amazon site.+++
The MSDS Attached) doesnt give its composition - just has it as a "chelator/detergent" - but it does seem to be remarkably benign for something that eats rust.:Confused:

Now how did I miss that! :rolleyes: Must get the eyes checked. Oddly enough, I came across an Irish site that was advertising it as "3.78 litres (1 UK gallon)".

Good spot on the 5 litre one +++

I've got a brake caliper bracket soaking overnight for a before/after shot :)

Thanks for the tip MJ. +++


I'm guessing that whatever is in the stuff likes oxygen (even more than iron does) and is able to react with the oxygen in the iron, removing it and therefore reversing the rusting process.

But presumably that would make it react with the oxygen in the air too, causing it to become saturated if not kept in a sealed container? .... unless it somehow reacts only with certain oxides ...

I think the "magic" explanation is better Mark :ROFL:

I think the explanation lies with it being described as a "Chelator". Chelation is a type of bonding of ions and molecules to metal ions. It involves the formation or presence of two or more separate coordinate bonds between a polydentate (multiple bonded) ligand and a single central atom. These ligands are called chelants, chelators, chelating agents, or sequestering agents. They are usually organic compounds.
Chelation is useful in applications such as providing nutritional supplements, in chelation therapy to remove toxic metals from the body, as contrast agents in MRI scanning, in manufacturing using homogeneous catalysts, in chemical water treatment to assist in the removal of metals, and in fertilizers. (Wikipedia explanation ....... not mine!!)

So by that description, it likes iron even more than oxygen does, and is able to extract it from the iron oxide therefore removing the rust. If you leave things in it too long they get a black film over the top which needs washing off. This is especially pronounced with cast iron with a high carbon content. I wonder if once the rust is gone it then starts trying to remove iron molecules from the object itself, and in the case of cast, it leaves the carbon behind?

It could be a really cheap product, sold at a premium price...………….. https://www.christinedemerchant.com/...t-removal.html
(Molasses contain chelating agents - cyclic hydroxamic acids ;) )

I should've paid more attention in Chemistry lessons (instead of making my own experiments and setting fire to stuff with the Bunsen burners).

I wasn't aware of this 'Chelation' you speak of. Interesting stuff; I need to do some reading. In the meantime, I think you're right, "magic" will do. Or maybe 'witchcraft'. To paraphrase Python, 'if it looks like witchcraft, it must be witchcraft!' :D

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic :)

Also:

Rust remover showdown

and

Molasses vs Evapo-rust

Frost do their own-brand version of this which is about the same price for 5L, but gets cheaper per litre for 25.

I hadn't thought of using it in cooling systems...

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1582810419

Good idea though. Obviously of little use to those with V8s, but relevant for V6s.

Interesting application. Don't modern cooling systems contain rust inhibitors though? And, if there is a little rust inside the cooling system, wouldn't it be safer to leave it be, attached to the rusty part rather than flowing around the system? Or do these products safely 'consume' the rust rather than simply detach it?

I wouldn't put it in a clean healthy engine no, just change the coolant regularly and that'll keep it clean.

I have, in my time, come across a number of engines which hadn't had new coolant for a long time, or had been topped up with plain water because of leaks, and were filled with rusty brown goop. In those cases, they would benefit from this stuff after a coolant flush to clean out the rest of the crud ready to accept fresh coolant. There is some sediment left in the bottom of the tank, but most of it seems to be held in the solution so should flush out without any issues.

I now remember where I have seen chelating substances used before and that's in ship main steam systems whether it was there as an inhibitor or for periodic clean I can't recall. The wiki entry refers to this use too.

I've always found white vinegar to be quite effective and cheap.