Used water heater for rocket stove

Does anyone have experience with/ info on using an upright electric water heater tank in a rocket stove? I still have my old, clogged one in the cellar from last summer. It is drained but heavy, which I assume indicates a lot of build-up inside (I've never looked inside one before). Does this present an additional issue?

I have searched the forums, but since one of the most common reasons for building one is as a water heater, search results tend in that direction.

I saw one cool image and will pm that member but would appreciate any input from others.

Thanks!

To be clear I'm thinking of using it for the taller chamber where the gasses burn, and not to heat water.

Watching with interest...I've thought the same.

I assume you mean to replace the barrel in a rocket mass heater?

Sure as heck last longer, thicker steel to start and flat steel warps a lot with uneven heat but a pressure head is curved in 2 directions, very strong.
Smoother flow path for sure. I would weld a 6 or 8 in circle of 1/2" plate in the center for a flat spot to put the kettle.
I think it would work better than a barrel with some experimentation.
Since you now have a dished pressure head and not a flat barrel the burn characteristics may change and you need more or less gap for it to burn best.

I'm thinking of using it for the taller chamber where the gasses burn

don't use metal.

I assume you mean to replace the barrel in a rocket mass heater

it's o.k.

Since you now have a dished pressure head and not a flat barrel the burn characteristics may change and you need more or less gap for it to burn best.

you need same gap. measure at the outer part of the riser.