Pickling

Pickling or chemical descaling is but one of several pretreatment steps available for preparing an article for further processing such as passivation or electropolishing, or to perform a superior cleaning operation on welded structures.

Pickling is the chemical cleaning of metallic surfaces in order to remove impurities, stains or scale with an acidic solution.

Pickling Capabilities

There are several methods of stainless steel pickling, each with its own advantages and applications. The most common methods include:

  1. Acid Pickling: This is the traditional method of pickling stainless steel, where the material is immersed in an acid solution consisting of nitric and hydrofluoric acids to remove the scale and underlying chromium depleted layers to restore the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. The acid reacts with the surface contaminants, dissolving them and leaving behind a clean stainless steel surface. Acid pickling is suitable for various stainless steel grades and can effectively remove scale, oxide layers, and other impurities.
  2. Pickling Paste: Pickling paste is a gel-like substance that contains a mixture of acids and inhibitors. It is applied directly to the surface of the stainless steel, where it reacts with the contaminants and dissolves them. Pickling paste is particularly useful for performing localized pickling services. For those applications, pickling pastes are used to treat selected areas such as welds. Examples are parts that just need welds cleaned up or parts which have other than stainless steel components as part of the assembly.

The choice of pickling method depends on various factors, including the type of stainless steel, the size and shape of the products, and the specific requirements of the application.

Our pickling company’s facility has a containment area for the processing of large components. This enables us to process nearly any part that can be transported to our facility. Allegheny Surface Technology (AST) can pickle passivate inside or outside a tank, depending on the size of your product.

Why Choose Our Metal Pickling Company?

  • ✓ We are a leader in Pickling services
  • ✓ ASTM A380
  • ✓ Shop & field services available
  • ✓ Single parts to bulk parts
  • ✓ Large scale solutions
  • ✓ Environmentally responsible, Hexavalent Chromium Free
  • ✓ RoHS & Reach Compliant
  • ✓ One-stop-shop for all metal surface finishing needs
  • ✓ Decades of experience
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Common Applications of Stainless Steel Pickling

1. Automotive industry

In the automotive industry, stainless steel pickling is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of automotive components. Stainless steel is commonly used in exhaust systems, mufflers, and other parts that are exposed to high temperatures and corrosive gases. By pickling these components, any impurities and oxides that accumulate over time can be effectively removed, ensuring optimal performance and preventing premature failure.

2. Food and beverage industry

Stainless steel is the material of choice in the food and beverage industry due to its hygienic properties and resistance to corrosion. However, during the manufacturing process, stainless steel equipment can accumulate contaminants that may compromise the safety and quality of food products. Stainless steel pickling is employed to remove any impurities, such as rust, scale, or organic residues, ensuring that food processing equipment remains clean and free from potential sources of contamination.

3. Pharmaceutical industry

Pharmaceutical companies rely on stainless steel pickling to maintain the cleanliness and sterility of their equipment. Stainless steel vessels, tanks, and piping systems used in the production of medications can harbor microorganisms or contain residual substances from previous processes. Pickling effectively removes these contaminants, ensuring that pharmaceutical products are free from any impurities that could compromise their quality or pose a risk to patients’ health.

4. Construction industry

Stainless steel is widely used in the construction industry for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. From structural components to architectural elements, stainless steel adds both functionality and aesthetic appeal to buildings. However, during the fabrication and installation process, stainless steel can develop oxides, weld scale, and other surface contaminants. Pickling is employed to clean and restore the surface of stainless steel, eliminating any impurities and ensuring that the material retains its integrity and appearance.

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