CLEANING THE ELECTRODE – CALCIUM SCALE
You will need hydrochloric acid (33%), and a plastic container or bucket deep enough to
stand the electrode vertically in with the electrode plates fully submerged. The container
or bucket should be preferably not too broad, as this will require a larger amount of acid.
A standard 10 Litre bucket is usually acceptable.
You will also need safety goggles and protective gloves.
• Remove any loose debris from the electrode by dunking it up and down rapidly in
water.
• In your container or bucket mix approximately 1 part hydrochloric acid to 5 parts
water. Make the solution slightly too shallow at first, then top up later with water to
just cover the electrode plates.
Note: Less acid can be used (down to 1:10 ratio) if the calcium build up is not too
excessive, but the cleaning process will take longer.
ALWAYS PUT WATER IN THE CONTAINER FIRST, THEN ADD ACID.
• Carefully place and stand the electrode in the container, taking care NOT to
submerge the top part where the electrical connector is. Top up the container with
fresh water if required until the electrode plates are just covered by the solution.
Note: ACID REACTING WITH THE CALCIUM SHOULD PRODUCE BUBBLES
• Leave the electrode in the solution until the bubbles stop. The reaction will usually
be fast initially, then slow down.
• Once you are satisfied the reaction has stopped, carefully remove the electrode
from the solution, and rinse with fresh water.
Note: If calcium scale was excessive you may need to repeat this process with a
fresh acid solution.
• Visually inspect the cell to ensure you are satisfied it is clean. If some scale-like
build up remains and it appears that acid is not removing it, then it may not be
calcium scale. You can try rinsing the cell with hot tap water (not boiling water)
which can sometimes help.
INSTALLING THE ELECTRODE
• Visually inspect the condition of the o-ring, and replace if necessary.
• Apply a small amount of silicone grease to the o-ring if required.
• Fit the o-ring to the cell head, ensuring it is on the bottom side of the cell head
flange (same side as the electrode plate bundle).
• Fit the electrode into the cell housing, and orient it so that the cell cable can plug
into the cell easily and comfortably.
• Fit the cell nut, and tighten by hand only.
• Connect the cell cable to the cell.
• Open any valves that were closed prior to the electrode being removed.
• Re-connect power to the chlorinator and pump(s).
• Run the system – and check for any leaks.
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