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Solar Dryer coatings

Q. I'm a final year Engineering student and I have to design and build a Solar Dryer for Fruit preservation. Can anyone tell me what grade of Aluminium I can use as reflectors -about three by two feet in dimensions - and how I can get the best finish on it to act similar to a mirror?

Suzanne Seepersad
student - St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago
2003

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A. A 5000 series (US Designation) would be the best. Have it electropolished, or bright dipped, then follow that with a very THIN coat of anodizing (to prevent oxidation).

Marc Green
anodizer - Boise, Idaho
2003

Q. I need to blacken a metal sheet (cast iron or GI ). It is to be used as a component to a solar food dryer, and therefore should not leave the plate hazardous from point of view of food consumption. Any suggestions?

Jacob Joseph
- Ujire, Karnataka, India
February 16, 2010

A. Hi, Jacob. Galvanized iron should not be used as a food surface since zinc is not a food-safe material. The ideal surface is black chrome plating as it has the best characteristics for solar absorption, but it's not cheap or easy to do. Black porcelain may be easier and more affordable.

There may be local regulations forbidding paint or certain types of paint. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 16, 2010

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