Stainless Steel Cleaners
Stainless steel cleaners are formulated for the effective removal of corrosion, scale, heat tint, and surface discoloration from stainless steel components. These products restore the original surface finish and prepare the metal for further processing or finishing.
Different chemical systems are used in stainless steel surface treatment depending on the level of contamination and application requirements. These include cleaners and pickling formulations designed for controlled and uniform surface cleaning.
Types of Stainless Steel Treatment Chemicals
1. SS Pickling Paste
It is used for cleaning weld seams and the surrounding heat-affected zones on stainless steel surfaces. The paste is applied directly to the weld area and allowed to react for 5–10 minutes, depending on surface condition. After treatment, the surface must be thoroughly washed with water and scrubbed with a brush to remove residues and ensure a clean, uniform finish.
2. Dip type SS Pickling
Dip type stainless steel pickling is used for the effective cleaning of both internal and external surfaces of components such as pipes, wires, and machinery parts with recessed areas. The process involves immersing the components in a pickling solution using a tank system, typically handled through a chain pulley arrangement.
This method ensures uniform removal of oxide layers, weld scale, and surface contaminants, even in hard-to-reach internal areas, resulting in a clean and active stainless steel surface suitable for further processing.
3. Spray type SS Pickling
Spray type stainless steel pickling is used for cleaning large fabricated stainless steel equipment such as vessels, agitators, dryers, dairy machinery, and fermenters. It is also suitable for treating both internal and external surfaces of pipes and assemblies.
The process is carried out using a pressurized spray system or pump, ensuring uniform application of the pickling solution over large and complex surfaces. It effectively removes oxide scale, weld discoloration, and surface contaminants, resulting in a clean and active stainless steel surface.
4. SS Passivation Chemicals
Stainless steel passivation is an essential post-pickling process used to enhance corrosion resistance and restore the protective passive oxide layer on the metal surface. It is generally carried out after every pickling operation to ensure optimum surface stability.
For effective passivation, stainless steel must contain a minimum chromium content of 10.5–12%, which supports the formation of a stable passive film. Process parameters such as temperature, time, and chemical concentration are critical for achieving consistent and effective results.
This process works by chemically removing free iron and iron compounds from the stainless steel surface, typically through controlled acid treatment, thereby improving corrosion resistance and surface durability.
5. SS Alkaline Cleaner
Stainless steel alkaline cleaners are formulated for the effective removal of oil, grease, and light organic films from stainless steel surfaces. These cleaners ensure proper surface preparation for subsequent processes such as pickling or passivation.
The product can be applied through either dip or spray methods, depending on the application requirement. Bath concentration is typically maintained between 25–35%, with a treatment time of 10–15 minutes to achieve optimal cleaning performance.