Why Acid Cleaning Is Key to Long-Lasting Metal Equipment
Do you ever think about how industries achieve corrosion free surfaces for steel and other metal equipment? The solution to this challenge lies in acid cleaning which is a process to clean metal surfaces in many industries where hygiene is a prime concern. Using substances like sulfuric acid in the Pickling and passivation process to remove rust and impurities help improve the longevity of metal surfaces. In this blog we will explore the significance of the chemical cleaning process in industrial rust and corrosion removal from steel and other metal surfaces to ensure their lifespan.
What is acid cleaning?
It is one of the industrial surface cleaning methods through which impurities and contaminants are removed from the metal surfaces. The surfaces of industrial machines made of steel and other metals are cleaned by acids like sulfuric and hydrochloric acids. Chemical cleaning is more effective as compared to mechanical cleaning process because acid is a liquid that reaches each and every part of the surface.
Key components of the acid cleaning process
There is a set procedure followed by professionals to clean metal surfaces to remove rust and corrosion that ensures longevity of machines. Have a glance at the following steps:
Surface Preparation:
The chemical passivation process is applied after cleaning the metal surfaces from dirt, oil and grease, and other impurities present on the surface. Such cleaning of dirt along with other impurities present on the surface is performed by using a solvent or an alkaline cleaner before smearing hydrochloric and sulfuric acids on the metal surface.
Acid application:
Acid used on metal surfaces reacts with oxides and other impurities. The concentration of acid is decided based on the types of impurities.
Reaction time:
Reaction time of acid depends on the types of contaminants and type of acid. Excessive use of acid can also cause damage to the surface.
Rinsing:
Rinsing is an essential step to remove residue from the surface. This is a crucial step that helps prevent acid from again causing damage and corrosion.
Neutralization:
It is used to clean sensitive metal where remnants of acid are not accepted because metal often gets corroded due to high sensitivity.
Drying:
Drying is an important step in the cleaning process of metal that helps prevent further corrosion. The method of drying depends on the complexity and size of the surface.
Acid cleaning vs pickling and passivation: Understanding the difference
Both acid cleaning and pickling and passivation solution processes are used to clean metal surfaces in industries. Let us understand the similarities and purposes of each surface cleaning process with the help of a table.
Process | Purpose | Chemicals used | Application |
Acid cleaning | It helps remove rust, contaminants from the surface | Sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid | It is use for cleaning and coating before welding |
Pickling and passivation | Pickling helps removes oxide layers, discoloration and contaminants caused by heat treatment | Hydrochloric acid and nitric acid | It is used after using welding cleaning machine on stainless steel |
Passivation solution | It helps enhancing corrosion resistance by creating a protective oxide layer | Nitric acid and citric acid | It is used to control corrosion in stainless steel in the future. |
Why is acid cleaning essential in industrial applications?
Manufacturing industries function on various types of metals that are often exposed to environmental challenges and form corrosion and rust over a period of time. Thus the chemical cleaning process is used to improve the performance and longevity of the surfaces and other equipment. Let us know the reasons behind this.
Improving corrosion resistance:
Acid cleaning helps remove impurities from metal surfaces used in industries and prevent corrosion for a long period of time. As a result, surfaces get ready for the next level of protective treatment that is known as pickling and passivation. It is useful for highly exposed environments such as construction, marine and gas industries. Acid is one of the most used surface treatment chemicals that remain functional metals and machines for a long period of time.
Essential for industry standards:
In order to maintain quality of products, the use of chemical cleaning is unavoidable to ensure the proper functioning of machines and surfaces. Industries where hygiene is important, manufacturers use chemical cleaning processes to maintain the industry standard up to the mark.
Cost-effective and time-saving solution:
Mechanical methods are expensive as compared to chemical cleaning methods of metal surfaces. Chemical cleaning does not take much time and works effectively in surface cleaning. As a result, it helps repair long-term maintenance in industries.
Environmental benefits:
The acid cleaning process is more environmentally friendly than the mechanical cleaning process of metals. Modern chemical cleaning procedures of metal are more effective than traditional chemical cleaning because it use safe chemicals in the cleaning process.
Prepares for coating and painting:
Acid cleaning provides coating to the metal that helps prevent corrosion for a long period of time. With the help of chemical cleaning, it is also ensured that no residue is left in the environment.
Case study:
What was the challenge?
A pioneer manufacturing company of stainless steel was having a corrosion and rust issue while storage and transportation. They used mechanical cleaning in their industrial surface cleaning and did not get results that caused substandard quality of products and experienced returns from their customers.
What was the solution?
The company applied the acid cleaning method before using pickling and passivation treatment in industrial surface cleaning. Apart from this, they used surface treatment chemicals to enhance the performance of metal surfaces.
What was the result?
After implementing the chemical cleaning process in the company, it experienced a significant improvement in the quality of its products. It not only experienced an 85% drop in product complaints from customers but also increased longevity of their products by 20%.
With the help of this case study, we came to know that the use of chemical cleaning is more effective for metal cleaning in industries than other mechanical processes.
A closer look at acid cleaning method:
There are many methods of chemical cleaning that depend on the specific industry requirements. Have a glance at some popular cleaning techniques:
Cleaning method | Best for | Example application |
Immersion cleaning | Used for small, complex components | Nuts, bolts and fasteners |
Spray cleaning | Used for large structure | Large machinery, tanks and pipelines |
Manual cleaning | Sensitive cleaning areas | Weld spots, intricate machinery |
Conclusion:
Are you looking for Acid cleaning the metal surface of your manufacturing company? T Clean is a pioneer surface treatment chemicals manufacturing company that provides high quality acid cleaning gel to remove metal impurities. As a result, you get high quality products that satisfy your customers at large. So, what are you looking for? Visit their website for more details before purchasing it from anywhere else.