Removing Limescale from 100l pan

[Meatymc]

Bought a job lot of 2nd hand gear a while back which included a 100L pan that I'll never use and intend either selling-on or, if no takers, see if any of the clubs/charities etc can make use of it.

It's really heavily encrusted with limescale that I've made minimal impact on using all sorts of supposed remedies - various acids, off-the-shelf removers, bloody lot of elbow grease etc. Getting to the point where I'm left with either sanding or polishing but am open to any other ideas? Really don't want to 'sand' so if polishing, would have to be drill attachment with suitable wheel/brush/polish but can't seem to get a sensible answer on which/what combinations.

Any ideas?

[vacant]

You might be able to find something softer than stainless but hard enough to chisel off the bulk of the limescale. Then finish off with Citric acid and boiling water.

[Eric]

From what you describe, it doesn't sound like limescale. Citric, or any other, acid would be seen in action instantly if it was. Has the vessel been used for brewing in the past? If it has, it could likely be beerstone, calcium oxalate, deposited during fermentation.

It's a sod to remove from stainless steel if allowed to dry, vastly easier if tackled immediately upon transfer. Also some types of stainless are worse than others, particularly some cheaper grades.

I could get it off plastic with a mix of EDTA and caustic soda, but that doesn't seem to work as well on stainless.

[Meatymc]

Then finish off with Citric acid and boiling water.

Tried citric amongst others but maybe Eric has enlightened me!

If it has, it could likely be beerstone, calcium oxalate, deposited during fermentation.

I've been assuming it's limescale but I have to say I always thought it odd being so heavily and evenly coated except for a couple of odd small areas which are totally clear. And yes, as far as I know, it was brewed with. Just done a quick 'Google' on images and several of the 'beerstone' images seem to match more or less what I have - including the small clear areas.

Seems there may be some ways to attempt removal but given I don't use it myself won't be throwing much money at it - just seems a waste if not easily solvable.

Thanks for your help.

[guypettigrew]

Try spraying it with quadruple concentrate Starsan or similar. May do the trick.

Guy

[MashBag]

I am with Eric. Its not limescale.
Research Milkstone remover. It is very similar to beer stone remover, but more available & less expensive.