55 Gallon Food Grade Barrel Question

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Acetone wash?
Pretty much removes all organic molecules

Yes, but acetone will soak into the HDPE a bit and then come back out slowly. Probably not a concern either way, but I'm not sure its a useful trade off.

 

[Gareth elliott]

At any time could the container been exposed to UV?

HDPE has low uv resistance, why its used for some disposable products, well that and cost. But a stressed plastic of any kind will act differently than one that isn’t.

 

[Dan D]

Acetone is a very volatile organic compound. Is very low vapor point make it ideal as a solvent for most organics,and leaves NO residue. We use it to extract organic molecules for ingesting ,or inhaling of therapeutic herbs and lotions.

It should never be able to penetrate a plastic and stay trapped inside.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetone

Reading the above info, we find acetone is actually found in our bodies. It has been used to help epilepsy patient especially in children, . Like the marjuana plant we learn something new every day about our chemical organic world.

I use it to wash out my honey containers sometimes. It also neutralizes most smells.

Many women over the years have used it to remove fingernail polish.
Aloha

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Acetone is a very volatile organic compound. Is very low vapor point make it ideal as a solvent for most organics,and leaves NO residue. We use it to extract organic molecules for ingesting ,or inhaling of therapeutic herbs and lotions.

It should never be able to penetrate a plastic and stay trapped inside.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetone

Reading the above info, we find acetone is actually found in our bodies. It has been used to help epilepsy patient especially in children, . Like the marjuana plant we learn something new every day about our chemical organic world.

I use it to wash out my honey containers sometimes. It also neutralizes most smells.

Many women over the years have used it to remove fingernail polish.
Aloha

I don't want to fight about this, since I already said it is not likely an issue to use it or not, but I am extremely familiar with both acetone and polyethylene and do not concur with your statement that it won't penetrate polyethylene. That is simply untrue.

 

[Dan D]

Well Im sorry sir,
Was not wanting to ruffle any feathers. Ive been thru at least 800 gallons in my career

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou
Happy New Year

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Well Im sorry sir,
Was not wanting to ruffle any feathers. Ive been thru at least 800 gallons in my career

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou
Happy New Year

Not a problem. As a chemistry specific forum, I just want assertions of fact to be accurate. Polyethylene is known to soak up acetone and actually be damaged by it if exposure is too long.

 

[Dan D]

Thanks Randy,
I hope to learn a few things from your forum as well.
Aloha