STAINLESS PICKLING
Xiom Energy Services can carry out stainless pickling of sppol pieces, tanks etc either by dipping or spray application on site, a brief description of the process below-
PICKLING AND PASSIVATION
The stainless steel properties are obtained by a unique composition of the alloy in which chromium plays the leading role. Chromium combines with oxygen to produce an extremely fine impenetrable film of chromium oxide, which protects the underlying material. When this film of chromium oxide is present the stainless steel is corrosion resistant in which case we may call the metal passive.
It is during construction (welding, heat treatment, grinding) and handling that this layer may become damaged, by iron, paint and grease. In those places in which the oxide layer is damaged and other forms of contamination prevent the passive film from reforming naturally, then corrosion can take place.
Pickling after the construction phase will restore the corrosion resistance to the same level as of the basic material. This is achieved by stripping the contaminated oxide layer via etching and allowing a new layer to form under controlled conditions, passivation.
Any sized object can be pickled, from food processing plants to containers. Items which are impractical to transport can be serviced on-site and all chemical waste carefully disposed of.
Passivation:
The stainless steel properties are obtained by a unique composition of the alloy in which chromium plays the leading role. Chromium combines with oxygen to produce an extremely fine impenetrable film of chromium oxide, which protects the underlying material. When this film of chromium oxide is present the stainless steel is corrosion resistant in which case we may call the metal passive.
There are quite a number of misunderstandings with regard to the passivation of stainless steel. After pickling and complete removal of oxide scale/contamination, stainless steel will passivate spontaneously when exposed to air. Stainless steel will after rinsing be completely passivated after 24 hours.
We accelerate this process and ensure the oxide layer reforms free from any contaminants. This process usually leaves the stainless steel with a white matt appearance.