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Tclean Chemicals: Boost Your Welding Cleaning Machine's Performance

pickling of stainless steel

Do you know why stainless steel always looks so perfect? The answer is due to pickling and passivation of stainless steel. Thus, it renders a rust resistance from rust and corrosion since it undergoes welding and heating as it is exposed to corrosion and rusting. Usage of pickling chemicals removes impurities on the surface of stainless steel and also influences its strength. There are numerous industries like pharmaceuticals, FMCG and many more that employ this process. For the pickling process of stainless steel to be operated, nitric as well as sulfuric acid is used that forms a very strong protective layer on its surface and prevents rusting as well as corrosion. In addition, with the help of the pickling process, the metal surface is maintained for the passivation solution process. In essence, we are going to talk about the efficiency of stainless for manufacturing industries.

Have a glimpse at historical insight of pickling of stainless steel

In 1913 Harry Brearley had discovered stainless steel and the use of  pickling of stainless steel started in the 20the century. With the passage of time, manufacturers started a pickling process to remove corrosion and rust from stainless steel’s surfaces. At the initial stage of pickling, acids were used, however, with the passage of time, as chemical science evolved, we got various types of pickling chemicals. With time, the demand for quality of product increased, manufacturers again started using eco-friendly pickling and passivation chemicals to remove impurities from the surface of stainless steel. This is how it not only improved the production of quality goods but also enhanced the longevity of stainless steel based machines and surfaces in the manufacturing industry. Nowadays the pickling is a crucial part of stainless steel safety and management in industries such as healthcare, construction, FMCG and more.

What is pickling of stainless steels?

In order to remove impurities from stainless steel surface, pickling of stainless steel becomes essential that not only helps remove contaminants but also enhances the lifespan of the stainless steel machines. Basically, it is used to remove layers of impurities from the surface using the strongest acids such as nitric and sulfuric acids. This is how it creates a passive oxide layer that works as corrosion resistant material on stainless steels. Moreover, pickling also helps prevent the process of discoloration of stainless steels and maintains its aesthetics.

What are the key aspects of the picking process?

To maintain corrosion resistance, the pickling process of  stainless steel is important to ensure aesthetics and durability. Have a glance at the significant  steps of the pickling process.

Chemical: Solution

The chemical solution used involves nitric and sulfuric acid that are mixed to dissolve oxides and other impurities. In welding and heat treatment of stainless steel, the oxide layer that forms on the stainless steel surface should be removed because it affects the original surface. In addition to this, since the Welding cleaning machine came, application of chemical solution has become relatively easier than before and effectiveness of chemicals on stainless steels has been enhanced.

Application methods

Immersion

First  of all stainless steel is completely filled with an acid solution that specially works for smaller parts of stainless steel.

Straying

Spraying is used for those parts of stainless steel where immersion does not work. However, this process is more effective for larger equipment.

Application of pickling paste

Pickling is a rust and heat tint removal process used for the stainless steel surface treatment process. This way the corrosion resistance of stainless steel is maintained. 

Surface contamination removal

Pickling is a rust and heat tint removal process used for the stainless steel surface treatment process. This way the corrosion resistance of stainless steel is maintained.

Time and temperature control

The immersion time and temperature impact the effectiveness of the pickling process. Higher temperature can speed up the process of picking but highly exposure to acids can damage the metal.

Neutralisation and rising

After the application of the pickling process, the rinsing process takes place using fresh water to remove the acid from the surface. Sometimes, there are some neutralising agents used to remove acid residue from the surface.

Safety measures

Tclean’s surface treatment chemicals are used in a very wide range of industries, delivering high results in different applications. Some of the key industries in which Tclean achieves greatness with its chemicals include:

The difference between pickling and passivation

As pickling and passivation both processes are used together to ensure proper functionality of stainless steel machines and surfaces. Let us understand the basic difference between the two with the help of a table mentioned below.

Process

Pickling

Passivation

Used for

It removes oxide scales, contaminants and discoloration

It forms a protective oxide layer

Chemicals used

Hydrochloric acid and nitric acid

Citric and nitric acids

Surface condition

Used for raw surface cleaning after welding and heat exposure

Used for polished and passive layer for corrosion resistance

With the help of pickling and passivation methods, manufacturing companies can ensure optimum cleanliness and corrosion resistance that ensure longevity of machines and surfaces.

Why surface treatment chemicals matter

In order to improve the performance and durability of stainless steel, surface treatment chemicals are used. When it comes to pickling of stainless steels, the use of chemicals becomes crucial in manufacturing industries where cleanliness and quality matters a lot. Let us understand the significance of surface treatment chemicals in manufacturing industries.

Corrosion prevention

Stainless steel is one the most used metals in manufacturing industries, however, the avoidance of pickling of stainless steel can lead to exposure of corrosion and rust of the machinery. This is how the manufacturing companies prevent the accumulation of contaminants in manufacturing units.

Restoring the surface quality

Due to welding and heat treatment, stainless steel surfaces get heat patches and discoloration. This is how the application of S1 pickling paste and acid cleaning are used to remove these impurities and contaminants. This is how it not only helps maintain the metal appearance but also mechanical properties of metals.

Enhanced adhesion for coating

To maintain the finishing processes of stainless steels, surface chemical treatment is used. Painting, powder coating and galvanising are processes that become easier after the application of surface treatment chemicals. Industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace and more use chemical treatment to enhance adhesion for coating.

Increased durability and performance

The degradation of metals is the natural process, to maintain the performance and durability of machines, proper surface chemical passivation treatment is essential. As a result, metals get protected from oxidising that ensure sustainable performance of machines.

Facilitates easy maintenance

It is easier to clean and maintain the stainless steels, if that is undergone for pickling and passivation processes. This is highly useful for injuries where hygiene is a prime concern and surfaces require a high level of  cleanliness.

Improved safety and efficiency

By the proper application of surface chemical treatment, workplace safety is also ensured as it helps prevent the risk of  machine failure. As a result, manufacturing companies are also ensuring downtime that helps increase productivity.

Conclusion

Are you running a manufacturing company and struggling with the performance of stainless steel machines? The pickling of stainless steel is the solution to your problem. Tclean is a leading pickling and passivation chemical manufacturer in India. You must visit their LinkedIn profile today to ensure the effective functioning of stainless steel components and surfaces.