Time capsules

Michael McColgin asked about cheap time capsules.  One solution
which I have used in the past is to modify a Cornelius keg.  These
are the five-gallon stainless steel soda pop/beer dispensing
containers.

The inlet/outlet valves may be removed using a 13/16" open end
wrench. Renew the "O" rings and remove the tubes which will be found
inside.

Renew the large "O" ring on the filler gate.

While everything is apart, clean the container/valves/filler gate
and dry thoroughly.

If a chlorine bleach/cleaner is used it is imperative that all
chlorine be removed/neutralized, otherwise the stainless steel will
pit/corrode.

When the container has been filled with whatever goodies seemed
worth preserving, close and lock the filler gate using the attached
wire bail.

Next, begin filling the container with CO2 at the inlet valve while
leaving the outlet valve open.  This will replace most of the oxygen
and other gases.  Close the outlet valve and add a little more CO2.

The object is not to pressurize the container to a level which would
be used to dispense fluids, but insure that the main gas inside the
container is inert.

The last thing I do is to pour molten beeswax over the inlet/outlet
valves to act as a back-up for the neoprene "O" rings.

Cornelius kegs can usually be acquired by donation.

This solution won't work for everything, but it is cheap.

Jack C. Thompson
Thompson Conservation Lab
Portland, OR

                                  ***
                   Conservation DistList Instance 9:6
                   Distributed: Sunday, July 2, 1995
                        Message Id: cdl-9-6-002
                                  ***