This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: A380/A380M − 17

Standard Practice for

Cleaning, Descaling, and Passivation of Stainless Steel
Parts, Equipment, and Systems1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A380/A380M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 1.1.1.2 Passivation is removal of exogenous iron or iron

1.1 This practice covers recommendations and precautions compounds from the surface of a stainless steel by means of a
for cleaning, descaling, and passivating of new stainless steel chemical dissolution, most typically by a treatment with an
parts, assemblies, equipment, and installed systems. These acid solution that will remove the surface contamination but
recommendations are presented as procedures for guidance will not significantly affect the stainless steel itself. This
when it is recognized that for a particular service it is desired process is described in a general way in 6.2.11 and defined
to remove surface contaminants that may impair the normal precisely in 6.4 with further reference to the requirements of
corrosion resistance, or result in the later contamination of the Annex A2 and Part II of the table on acid cleaning of steel.
particular stainless steel grade, or cause product contamination. Unless otherwise specified, it is this definition of passivation
The selection of procedures from this practice to be applied to that is taken as the meaning of a specified requirement for
the parts may be specified upon agreement between the passivation. (See also Specification A967/A967M.)
supplier and the purchaser. For certain exceptional 1.1.1.3 Passivation is the chemical treatment of a stainless
applications, additional requirements which are not covered by steel with a mild oxidant, such as a nitric acid solution, for the
this practice may be specified upon agreement between the purpose of enhancing the spontaneous formation of the protec-
supplier and the purchaser. Although they apply primarily to tive passive metal oxide film. Such chemical treatment is
materials in the composition ranges of the austenitic, ferritic, generally not necessary for the formation of the passive metal
martensitic, and duplex stainless steels, the practices described oxide film.
may also be useful for cleaning other metals if due consider- 1.1.1.4 Passivation does not indicate the separate process of
ation is given to corrosion and possible metallurgical effects. descaling as described in Section 5, although descaling may be
1.1.1 The term passivation is commonly applied to several necessary before passivation can be effective. Depending on
distinctly different operations or processes relating to stainless the application, chemical descaling (acid pickling) as described
steels. In order to avoid ambiguity in the setting of in 5.2.1 may provide sufficient passivation as defined in
requirements, it may be necessary for the purchaser to define 1.1.1.2.
precisely the intended meaning of passivation. Some of the 1.2 This practice does not cover decontamination or clean-
various meanings associated with the term passivation that are ing of equipment or systems that have been in service, nor does
in common usage include the following: it cover descaling and cleaning of materials at the mill. On the
1.1.1.1 Passivation is the process by which a stainless steel other hand, some of the practices may be applicable for these
will spontaneously form a chemically resistant surface when purposes. While the practice provides recommendations and
exposed to air or other oxygen-containing environments. It was information concerning the use of acids and other cleaning and
at one time considered that an oxidizing treatment was neces- descaling agents, it cannot encompass detailed cleaning proce-
sary to establish this passive metal oxide film, but it is now dures for specific types of equipment or installations. It
accepted that this film will form spontaneously in an oxygen- therefore in no way precludes the necessity for careful planning
containing environment providing that the surface has been and judgment in the selection and implementation of such
thoroughly cleaned or descaled. procedures.
1.3 These practices may be applied when free iron, oxide
scale, rust, grease, oil, carbonaceous or other residual chemical
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel, films, soil, particles, metal chips, dirt, or other nonvolatile
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee deposits might adversely affect the metallurgical or sanitary
A01.14 on Methods of Corrosion Testing.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2017. Published September 2017. Originally
condition or stability of a surface, the mechanical operation of
approved in 1954. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as A380/A380M – 13. a part, component, or system, or contaminate a process fluid.
DOI: 10.1520/A0380_A0380M-17. The degree of cleanness required on a surface depends on the

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 A380/A380M − 17
application. In some cases, no more than degreasing or removal F22 Test Method for Hydrophobic Surface Films by the
of gross contamination is necessary. Others, such as food- Water-Break Test
handling, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and certain nuclear 2.2 ISO Standards:3
applications, may require extremely high levels of cleanness, ISO 14644-1 Cleanrooms and associated controlled environ-
including removal of all detectable residual chemical films and ments -- Part 1: Classification of air cleanliness by particle
contaminants that are invisible to ordinary inspection methods. concentration
NOTE 1—The term “iron,” when hereinafter referred to as a surface
ISO 14644-2 Cleanrooms and associated controlled environ-
contaminant, shall denote free iron. ments -- Part 2: Monitoring to provide evidence of
cleanroom performance related to air cleanliness by par-
1.4 Attainment of surfaces that are free of iron, metallic
ticle concentration
deposits, and other contamination depends on a combination of
proper design, fabrication methods, cleaning and descaling, 3. Design
and protection to prevent recontamination of cleaned surfaces.
Meaningful tests to establish the degree of cleanness of a 3.1 Consideration should be given in the design of parts,
surface are few, and those are often difficult to administer and equipment, and systems that will require cleaning to minimize
to evaluate objectively. Visual inspection is suitable for the the presence of crevices, pockets, blind holes, undrainable
detection of gross contamination, scale, rust, and particulates, cavities, and other areas in which dirt, cleaning solutions, or
but may not reveal the presence of thin films of oil or residual sludge might lodge or become trapped, and to provide for
chemical films. In addition, visual inspection of internal effective circulation and removal of cleaning solutions. In
surfaces is often impossible because of the configuration of the equipment and systems that will be cleaned in place or that
item. Methods are described for the detection of free iron and cannot be immersed in the cleaning solution, it is advisable to
transparent chemical and oily deposits. slope lines for drainage: to provide vents at high points and
drains at low points of the item or system; to arrange for
1.5 This practice provides definitions and describes prac- removal or isolation of parts that might be damaged by the
tices for cleaning, descaling, and passivation of stainless steel cleaning solution or fumes from the cleaning solutions; to
parts. Tests with acceptance criteria to demonstrate that the provide means for attaching temporary fill and circulation
passivation procedures have been successful are listed in 7.2.5 lines; and to provide for inspection of cleaned surfaces.
and 7.3.4, and can also be found in Specification A967/
A967M. 3.2 In a complex piping system it may be difficult to
determine how effective a cleaning operation has been. One
1.6 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units method of designing inspectability into the system is to provide
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in a short flanged length of pipe (that is, a spool piece) at a
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each location where the cleaning is likely to be least effective; the
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining spool piece can then be removed for inspection upon comple-
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance tion of cleaning.
with the standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the 4. Precleaning
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4.1 Precleaning is the removal of grease, oil, paint, soil, grit,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- and other gross contamination preparatory to a fabrication
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- process or final cleaning. Precleaning is not as critical and is
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. (For more specific generally not as thorough as subsequent cleaning operations.
safety precautions see 7.2.5.3, 7.3.4, Section 8, A1.7, and Materials are usually precleaned before hot-forming,
A2.11.) annealing, or other high-temperature operation, before any
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor- descaling operation, and before any finish-cleaning operation
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- where the parts will be immersed or where the cleaning
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the solutions will be reused. Items that are subject to several
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- redraws or a series of hot-forming operations, with intermedi-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical ate anneals, shall be cleaned after each forming operation, prior
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. to annealing. Precleaning may be accomplished by vapor
degreasing; immersion in, spraying, or swabbing with alkaline
2. Referenced Documents
or emulsion cleaners; steam; or high-pressure water-jet (see
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 6.2).
A967/A967M Specification for Chemical Passivation Treat-
ments for Stainless Steel Parts 5. Descaling
F21 Test Method for Hydrophobic Surface Films by the 5.1 General—Descaling is the removal of heavy, tightly
Atomizer Test adherent oxide films resulting from hot-forming, heat-
treatment, welding, and other high-temperature operations.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from International Organization for Standardization, ISO Central
the ASTM website. Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland.

2
 A380/A380M − 17
Because mill products are usually supplied in the descaled tions (such as the presence of crevices). If used, neutralization
condition, descaling (except removal of localized scale result- is usually also followed by rinsing with clean water to remove
ing from welding) is generally not necessary during fabrication all traces of the neutralizing agent and thorough drying. To
of equipment or erection of systems (see 6.3). When necessary, minimize staining, surfaces shall not be permitted to dry
scale may be removed by one of the chemical methods listed between successive steps of the acid descaling and rinsing
below, by mechanical methods (for example, abrasive blasting, procedure (see A1.5).
sanding, grinding, power brushing), or by a combination of 5.2.6 Chemical descaling methods, factors in their selection,
these. and precautions in their use are described in the Metals
5.2 Chemical Descaling (Pickling)—Chemical descaling Handbook.4 When chemical descaling is necessary, it should
agents include aqueous solutions of sulfuric acid, or nitric and be done while the part is in its simplest possible geometry,
hydrofluoric acids, as described in Annex A1, Table A1.1, before subsequent fabrication or installation steps create inter-
molten alkali or salt baths, and various proprietary formula- nal crevices or undrainable spaces that may trap descaling
tions. The safety precautions of 8.6 shall be observed in the use agents, sludge, particles, or contaminated rinse water that
of these methods. Particular care shall be exercised when might either result in eventual corrosion or adversely affect
pickling closed systems and items with crevices or internal operation of the item after it is placed in service.
voids to prevent retention of pickling solutions and residues. 5.3 Mechanical Descaling—Mechanical descaling methods
5.2.1 Acid Pickling—Nitric-hydrofluoric acid solution is include abrasive blasting, power brushing, sanding, grinding,
most widely used by fabricators of stainless steel equipment and chipping. Procedural requirements and precautions for
and removes both metallic contamination, and welding and some of these methods are given in the Metals Handbook.4
heat-treating scales. Its use should be carefully controlled and Mechanical descaling methods have the advantage that they do
is not recommended for descaling sensitized austenitic stain- not produce such physical or chemical conditions as inter-
less steels or hardened martensitic stainless steels or where it granular attack, pitting, hydrogen embrittlement, cracks, or
can come into contact with carbon steel parts, assemblies, smut deposits. For some materials, in particular the austenitic
equipment, and systems. See also A1.3. Solutions of nitric acid stainless steels when in the sensitized condition and the
alone are usually not effective for removing heavy oxide scale. martensitic stainless steels when in the hardened condition,
5.2.2 Surfaces to be descaled shall be precleaned to remove mechanical descaling may be the only suitable method. Grind-
oils and greases prior to acid treatment (see A1.5), and are ing is usually the most effective means of removing localized
usually precleaned prior to other chemical treatments. scale such as that which results from welding. Disadvantages
5.2.3 When size and shape of product permit, total immer- of mechanical descaling are cost, as compared to chemical
sion in the pickling solution is preferred. Where immersion is descaling, and the fact that surface defects (for example, laps,
impractical, descaling may be accomplished by (1) wetting the pits, slivers) may be obscured, making them difficult to detect.
surfaces by swabbing or spraying, or (2) by partially filling the 5.3.1 Surfaces to be descaled may have to be precleaned.
item with pickling solution and rotating or rocking to slosh the Particular care must be taken to avoid damage by mechanical
solution so that all surfaces receive the required chemical methods when descaling thin sections, polished surfaces, and
treatment. The surface should be kept in contact with agitated close-tolerance parts. After mechanical descaling, surfaces
solution for about 15 to 30 min or until inspection shows that should be cleaned by scrubbing with hot water and fiber
complete scale removal has been accomplished. Without brushes, followed by rinsing with clean, hot water.
agitation, additional exposure time may be required. If rocking 5.3.2 Grinding wheels and sanding materials should not
or rotation are impracticable, pickling solution may be circu- contain iron, iron oxide, zinc, or other undesirable materials
lated through the item or system until inspection shows that that may cause contamination of the metal surface. Grinding
descaling has been accomplished. wheels, sanding materials, and wire brushes previously used on
5.2.4 Over-pickling must be avoided. Uniform removal of other metals should not be used on stainless steel. Wire brushes
scale with acid pickling depends on the acid used, acid should be of a stainless steel which is equal in corrosion
concentration, solution temperature, and contact time (see resistance to the material being worked on.
Annex A1). Continuous exposure to pickling solutions for 5.3.3 Clean, previously unused abrasives, such as glass
more than 30 min is not recommended. The item should be beads or iron-free silica or alumina sand, are recommended for
drained and rinsed after 30 min and examined to check the abrasive blasting. Steel shot or grit is generally not recom-
effectiveness of the treatment. Additional treatment may be mended because of the possibility of embedding iron particles.
required. Most pickling solutions will loosen weld and heat- The use of stainless steel shot or grit reduces the danger of
treating scale but may not remove them completely. Intermit- rusting and iron contamination, but cannot completely elimi-
tent scrubbing with a stainless steel brush or fiber-bristle brush, nate the possibility of embedding residues of iron-oxide scale.
in conjunction with pickling or the initial rinse, may facilitate 5.3.4 If a totally iron and scale free surface is required, most
the removal of scale particles and products of chemical abrasive blasting may be followed by a brief acid dip (see
reaction (that is, pickling smut). Annex A2) or passivation treatment (see 6.4).
5.2.5 After chemical descaling, surfaces shall be thoroughly
rinsed with clean water to remove all traces of residual
chemicals and thoroughly dried after the final water rinse. A 4
“Surface Cleaning, Finishing, and Coating,” Metals Handbook, Am. Soc.
neutralization treatment may be necessary under some condi- Metals, 9th ed., Vol 5, 1982.

3
 A380/A380M − 17
6. Cleaning 6.2.2 Emulsion Cleaning is a process for removing oily
6.1 General—Cleaning includes all operations necessary for deposits and other common contaminants from metals by the
the removal of surface contaminants from metals to ensure (1) use of common organic solvents dispersed in an aqueous
maximum corrosion resistance of the metal, (2) prevention of solution with the aid of a soap or other emulsifying agent (an
product contamination, and (3) achievement of desired appear- emulsifying agent is one which increases the stability of a
ance. Cleanness is a perishable condition. Careful planning is dispersion of one liquid in another). It is effective for removing
necessary to achieve and maintain clean surfaces, especially a wide variety of contaminants including pigmented and
where a high degree of cleanness is required. Selection of unpigmented drawing compounds and lubricants, cutting
cleaning processes is influenced mainly by the type of con- fluids, and residues resulting from liquid penetrant inspection.
taminant to be removed, the required degree of cleanness, and Emulsion cleaning is used when rapid, superficial cleaning is
cost. If careful control of fabrication processes, sequencing of required and when a light residual film of oil is not objection-
cleaning and fabrication operations, and measures to prevent able.
recontamination of cleaned surfaces are exercised, very little 6.2.3 Solvent Cleaning is a process for removing contami-
special cleaning of the finished item or system may be nants from metal surfaces by immersion or by spraying or
necessary to attain the desired level of cleanness. If there is a swabbing with common organic solvents such as the aliphatic
question concerning the effectiveness of cleaning agents or petroleums, chlorinated hydrocarbons, or blends of these two
procedures, or the possible adverse effects of some cleaning classes of solvents. Cleaning is usually performed at or slightly
agents or procedures on the materials to be cleaned, trial runs above room temperature. Except for parts with extremely
using test specimens and sensitive inspection techniques may heavy contamination or with hard-to-reach areas, or both, good
be desirable. Descriptions, processes, and precautions to be agitation will usually eliminate the need for prolonged soaking.
observed in cleaning are given in the Metals Handbook.4 Virtually all metal can be cleaned with the commonly used
Proprietary cleaners may contain harmful ingredients, such as solvents unless the solvent has become contaminated with acid,
chlorides or sulfur compounds, which could adversely affect alkali, oil, or other foreign material. Chlorinated solvents are
the performance of a part, equipment, or system under service not recommended for degreasing of closed systems or items
conditions. It is recommended that the manufacturer of the with crevices or internal voids.
cleaner be consulted if there is reason for concern.
6.2.4 Vapor Degreasing is a generic term applied to a
NOTE 2—Instances are known where stainless steel vessels have stress cleaning process that employs hot vapors of a volatile chlori-
cracked before start-up due to steaming out or boiling out with a nated solvent to remove contaminants, and is particularly
chloride-containing detergent.
effective against oils, waxes, and greases. The cleanness and
6.2 Cleaning Methods—Degreasing and general cleaning chemical stability of the degreasing solvent are critical factors
may be accomplished by immersion in, swabbing with, or in the efficiency of the vapor and possible chemical attack of
spraying with alkaline, emulsion, solvent, detergent, chelate, or the metal. Water in the degreasing tank or on the item being
acid cleaners or a combination of these; by vapor degreasing; cleaned may react with the solvent to form hydrochloric acid,
by ultrasonics using various cleaners; by various mechanical which is usually harmful to the metal. No water should be
methods; by steam, with or without a cleaner; or by high- present in the degreasing tank or on the item being cleaned.
pressure water-jetting. The cleaning method available at any Acids, oxidizing agents, and cyanides must be prevented from
given time during the fabrication or installation of a component contaminating the solvent. Materials such as silicones cause
or system is a function of the geometric complexity of the item, foaming at the liquid-vapor interface and may result in
the type of contamination present, the degree of cleanliness recontamination of the workpiece as it is removed from the
required, and cost. Methods commonly used for removing degreaser. Vapor degreasing with chlorinated solvents is not
deposited contaminants (as opposed to scale) are described recommended for closed systems or items with internal voids
briefly below and in greater detail (including factors to be or crevices.
considered in their selection and use) in the Metals Handbook4
and the SSPC Steel Structures Painting Handbook.5 The safety 6.2.5 Ultrasonic Cleaning is often used in conjunction with
precautions of 8.6 shall be observed in the use of these certain solvent and detergent cleaners to loosen and remove
methods. Particular care shall be exercised when cleaning contaminants from deep recesses and other difficult to reach
closed systems and items with crevices or internal voids to areas, particularly in small work-pieces. Cavitation in the
prevent retention of cleaning solutions and residues. liquid produced by the high frequency sound causes micro
6.2.1 Alkaline Cleaning is used for the removal of oily, agitation of the cleaner in even tiny recesses of the workpiece,
semisolid, and solid contaminants from metals. To a great making the method especially desirable for cleaning parts or
extent the solutions used depend on their detergent qualities for assemblies having an intricate configuration. For extremely
cleaning action and effectiveness. Agitation and temperature of high levels of surface cleanness, high-purity solvents (1 ppm
the solution are important. total nonvolatile residue) are required.
6.2.6 Synthetic Detergents are extensively used as surface-
active agents because they are freer rinsing than soaps, aid in
5
soils dispersion, and prevent recontamination. They are effec-
Good Painting Practices, Steel Structures Painting Council, Vol 1, 1982,
Chapters 2.0–2.9, 3.1–3.2. tive for softening hard water and in lowering the surface and
interfacial tensions of the solutions. Synthetic detergents, in

4
 A380/A380M − 17
particular, should be checked for the presence of harmful shall not be permitted to dry between successive steps of the
ingredients as noted in 6.1. acid cleaning and rinsing procedure. Acid cleaning is not
6.2.7 Chelate Cleaning—Chelates are chemicals that form recommended where mechanical cleaning or other chemical
soluble, complex molecules with certain metal ions, inactivat- methods will suffice on the basis of intended use and, as may
ing the ions in solution so they cannot normally react with be necessary, on inspection tests (see 7.2 and 7.3). Require-
another element or ions to produce precipitates or scale. They ments for superfluous cleaning and inspection testing can result
enhance the solubility of scales and certain other contaminants, in excessive costs. Acid cleaning, if not carefully controlled,
do not precipitate different scales when the cleaning solution may damage the surface and may result in further contamina-
becomes spent, and can be used on some scales and contami- tion of the surface.
nants that even mineral acids will not attack. When properly 6.2.12 Rinsing—After cleaning with an aqueous chemical
used (chelating agents must be continuously circulated and cleaning solution, surfaces shall be thoroughly rinsed with
must be maintained within carefully controlled temperature clean water to remove all traces of residual chemicals and
limits), intergranular attack, pitting, and other harmful effects thoroughly dried after the final water rinse. A neutralization
are minimal. Chelating agents are particularly useful for treatment may be necessary under some conditions (such as the
cleaning installed equipment and systems. presence of crevices). If used, neutralization is usually also
6.2.8 Mechanical Cleaning (also see 5.3)—Abrasive followed by rinsing with clean water to remove all traces of the
blasting, vapor blasting using a fine abrasive suspended in neutralizing agent and thorough drying. (See A2.10.)
water, grinding, or wire brushing are often desirable for 6.3 Cleaning of Welds and Weld-Joint Areas—The joint area
removing surface contaminants and rust. Cleanliness of abra- and surrounding metal for several inches back from the joint
sives and cleaning equipment is extremely important to prevent preparation, on both faces of the weld, should be cleaned
recontamination of the surfaces being cleaned. Although sur- immediately before starting to weld. Cleaning may be accom-
faces may appear visually clean following such procedures, plished by brushing with a clean stainless steel brush or
residual films which could prevent the formation of an opti- scrubbing with a clean, lint-free cloth moistened with solvent,
mum passive condition may still be present. Subsequent or both. When the joint has cooled after welding, remove all
treatment such as additional iron-free abrasive cleaning accessible weld spatter, welding flux, scale, arc strikes, etc., by
methods, acid cleaning, passivation, or combinations of these grinding. According to the application, some scale or heat
is, therefore, required for stainless steel parts, equipment, and temper may be permissible on the nonprocess side of a weld,
systems to be used where corrosion resistance is a prime factor but should be removed from the process side if possible. If
to satisfy performance and service requirements, or where chemical cleaning of the process side of the weld is deemed
product contamination must be avoided. necessary, the precautions of this standard shall be observed.
6.2.9 Steam Cleaning is used mostly for cleaning bulky Austenitic stainless steels in the sensitized condition should
objects that are too large for soak tanks or spray-washing generally not be descaled with nitric-hydrofluoric acid solu-
equipment. It may be used with cleaning agents such as tions. Welds may also be cleaned as described in Table A2.1,
emulsions, solvents, alkalis, and detergents. Steam lances are Part III, Treatment P and Q (also see 5.2.4 and 5.2.5).
frequently used for cleaning piping assemblies. Steam pres- 6.4 Final Cleaning or Passivation, or Both—If proper care
sures from 345 to 515 kPa [50 to 75 psi] are usually adequate has been taken in earlier fabrication and cleaning, final
(see 6.1). cleaning may consist of little more than scrubbing with hot
6.2.10 Water-Jetting at water pressures of up to 70 MPa water or hot water and detergent (such as trisodium phosphate,
[10 000 psi] is effective for removing grease, oils, chemical TSP), using fiber brushes. Detergent washing shall be followed
deposits (except adsorbed chemicals), dirt, loose and moder- by a hot-water rinse to remove residual chemicals. Spot
ately adherent scale, and other contaminants that are not cleaning to remove localized contamination may be accom-
actually bonded to the metal. The method is particularly plished by wiping with a clean, solvent-moistened cloth. If the
applicable for cleaning piping assemblies which can withstand purchaser specifies passivation, the final cleaning shall be in
the high pressures involved; self-propelled nozzles or “moles” accordance with the requirements of Table A2.1, Part II, or one
are generally used for this purpose. of the treatments listed in Specification A967/A967M. Unless
6.2.11 Acid Cleaning is a process in which a solution of a specified by the purchaser, the chemical treatment applied to
mineral or organic acid in water, sometimes in combination the parts shall be selected by the supplier from among the listed
with a wetting agent or detergent or both, is employed to passivation treatments. When the stainless steel parts are to be
remove iron and other metallic contamination, light oxide used for applications where corrosion resistance is a prime
films, shop soil, and similar contaminants. Suggested solutions, factor to achieve satisfactory performance and service
contact times, and solution temperatures for various alloys are requirements, or where product contamination must be
given in Annex A2. Acid cleaning is not generally effective for avoided, passivation followed by thorough rinsing several
removal of oils, greases, and waxes. Surfaces shall be pre- times with hot water and drying thoroughly after the final water
cleaned to remove oils and greases before acid cleaning. (See rinse is recommended, whenever practical.
A2.10.) Common techniques for acid cleaning are immersion, 6.5 Precision Cleaning—Certain nuclear, space, and other
swabbing, and spraying. Maximum surface quality is best especially critical applications may require that only very
achieved by using a minimum cleaning time at a given acid high-purity alcohols, acetone, ketones, or other precision
concentration and temperature. To minimize staining, surfaces cleaning agents be used for final cleaning or recleaning of

5
 A380/A380M − 17
critical surfaces after fabrication advances to the point that 6.6.4 When cleaning critical installed systems, do not per-
internal crevices, undrainable spaces, blind holes, or surfaces mit the process surfaces to dry between successive cleaning
that are not accessible for thorough scrubbing, rinsing, and and rinsing steps, or between the final rinse and filling with the
inspection are formed. Such items are often assembled under layup solution.
clean-room conditions (see 8.5.5) and require approval, by the
purchaser, of carefully prepared cleaning procedures before the 7. Inspection After Cleaning
start of fabrication.
7.1 General—Inspection techniques should represent
6.6 Cleaning of Installed Systems—There are two ap- careful, considered review of end use requirements of parts,
proaches to cleaning installed systems. In the first, which is equipment, and systems. There is no substitute for good,
probably adequate for most applications, cleaning solutions are uniform, cleaning practices which yield a metallurgically
circulated through the completed system after erection, taking sound and smooth surface, followed by adequate protection to
care to remove or protect items that could be damaged during preserve that condition. Establishment of the most reliable tests
the cleaning operation. In the second approach, which may be and test standards for cleanness are helpful in attaining the
required for gaseous or liquid oxygen, liquid metal, or other desired performance of parts, equipment, and systems. Testing
reactive-process solutions, piping and components are installed should be sufficiently extensive to ensure the cleanness of all
in a manner to avoid or minimize contamination of process- surfaces exposed to process fluids when in service. The
solution surfaces during erection so that little additional following represent some tests that have been successfully
cleaning is necessary after erection; post-erection flushing, if applied to stainless steels. The purchaser shall have the option
necessary, is done with the process fluid. If process surfaces are of specifying in his purchase documents that any of these
coated with an appreciable amount of iron oxide, a chelating quality assurance tests be used as the basis for acceptability of
treatment or high-pressure water-jetting treatment should be the cleanness of the stainless steel item, the absence of iron on
considered in place of acid treatment (see 6.2.7 and 6.2.10). the surface, or both.
6.6.1 Post-Erection Cleaning—Circulate hot water to which 7.2 Gross Inspection:
a detergent has been added, for at least 4 to 8 h. A water 7.2.1 Visual—Items cleaned in accordance with this practice
temperature of at least 60 to 70°C [140 to 160°F] is recom- should be free of paint, oil, grease, welding flux, slag,
mended (see 6.1). Rinse by circulating clean hot water until the heat-treating and hot-forming scale (tightly adherent scale
effluent is clear. If excessive particulate matter is present, the resulting from welding may be permissible on some surfaces),
cleaning cycle may be preceded with a high-pressure steam dirt, trash, metal and abrasive particles and chips, and other
blow, repeating as necessary until a polished-aluminum target gross contamination. Some deposited atmospheric dust will
on the outlet of the system is no longer dulled and scratched by normally be present on exterior surfaces but should not be
particulates loosened by the high-velocity steam. Valves and present on interior surfaces. Visual inspection should be carried
similar items must be protected from damage during a steam out under a lighting level, including both general and supple-
blow. mentary lighting, of at least 1080 lx [100 footcandles], and
6.6.2 If metallic iron is detected by one of the methods preferably 2700 lx [250 footcandles] on the surfaces being
suggested in Section 7, it can be removed by circulating one of inspected. Visual inspection should be supplemented with
the acid passivation solutions suggested in 6.4 until laboratory borescopes, mirrors, and other aids, as necessary, to properly
determination for iron, made on samples of the solution taken examine inaccessible or difficult-to-see surfaces. Lights should
hourly, indicates no further increase in iron content, after which be positioned to prevent glare on the surfaces being inspected.
circulation may be stopped and the system drained. After this 7.2.1.1 Gross Indications of Iron—When iron contamina-
treatment, circulate clean hot water (that is, without detergent) tion is clearly visible, items should be cleaned in accordance
through the system for 4 h to remove all traces of acid and with this practice.
corrosion product resulting from the acid treatment, or until the 7.2.2 Wipe Tests—Rubbing of a surface with a clean, lint-
pH of the rinse water returns to neutral. free, white cotton cloth, commercial paper product, or filter
6.6.3 In critical systems where post-erection cleaning is not paper moistened (but not saturated) with high-purity solvent
desirable (for example, liquid oxygen or nuclear reactor (see 6.5), may be used for evaluating the cleanness of surfaces
primary coolant systems), on-site erection may be conducted not accessible for direct visual inspection. Wipe tests of small
under clean-room conditions. Erection instructions may require diameter tubing are made by blowing a clean white felt plug,
that wrapping and seals of incoming materials and equipment slightly larger in diameter than the inside diameter of the tube,
be kept intact until the item is inside the clean area, and that through the tube with clean, dry, filtered compressed air.
careful surveillance be exercised to prevent foreign materials Cleanness in wipe tests is evaluated by the type of contamina-
(for example, cleaning swabs or tools) from being dropped or tion rubbed off on the swab or plug. The presence of a smudge
left in the system. Where contamination does occur, the on the cloth is evidence of contamination. In cases of dispute
cleaning procedure usually is developed through consultation concerning the harmful nature of the contamination, a sample
between the erector and the purchaser (or his site representa- of the smudge may be transferred to a clean quartz microscope
tive). Frequently, post-erection flushing is accomplished by slide for infrared analysis. The wipe test is sometimes supple-
circulating the process fluid through the system until contami- mented by repeating the test with a black cloth to disclose
nation is reduced to tolerable levels. contaminants that would be invisible on a white cloth.

6
 A380/A380M − 17
7.2.3 Residual Pattern—Dry the cleaned surface after copper sulfate in the following proportions (Warning—
finish-cleaning at 50°C [120°F] for 20 min. The presence of Always add acid to cold water.):
stains or water spots on the dried surfaces indicates the Distilled water 90 mL
presence of residual soil and incomplete cleaning. The test is 95–100 % Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) 5.4 mL
Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) 4g
rapid but not very sensitive.
7.2.4 Water-Break Test—This is a test for the presence of 7.3 Precision Inspection:
hydrophobic contaminants on a cleaned surface. It is applicable 7.3.1 Solvent-Ring Test is a test to reveal the presence of
only for items that can be dipped in water and should be made tightly adherent transparent films that may not be revealed by
with high-purity water. The test procedure and interpretation of visual inspection or wipe tests. A comparison standard is
results are described in Test Method F22. The test is moder- prepared by placing on a clean quartz microscope slide a single
ately sensitive. drop of high-purity solvent and allowing it to evaporate. Next
place another drop on the surface to be evaluated, stir briefly,
7.2.5 Tests for Free Iron:
and transfer, using a clean capillary or glass rod, to a clean
7.2.5.1 Water-Wetting and Drying—Formation of rust stains quartz microscope slide and allow the drop to evaporate. Make
may be accelerated by periodically wetting the surface with as many test slides as necessary to give a reasonable sample of
preferably distilled or deionized water or clean, fresh, potable the surface being examined. If foreign material has been
tap water. Application via a hand held sprayer or atomizer that dissolved by the solvent, a distinct ring will be formed on the
produces small droplets that do not coalesce is optimal. The outer edge of the drop as it evaporates. The nature of the
sample should be rewet as needed but allowed to air dry contaminant can be determined by infrared analysis, compar-
completely at least 8 times, remaining dry for at least 45 ing the infrared analysis with that of the standard.
minutes each, and totaling 7 to 9 h in a 24-h test period. After
7.3.2 Black Light Inspection is a test suitable for the
completion of this test, the surface should show no evidence of
detection of certain oil films and other transparent films that are
rust stains or other corrosion products.
not detectable under white light. In an area that is blacked out
7.2.5.2 High-Humidity Test—Subject the surface to 95 to to white light, inspect all visible accessible surfaces with the
100 % humidity at 40 to 45°C [100 to 115°F] in a suitable aid of a new, flood-type, ultraviolet lamp. For inaccessible
humidity cabinet for 24 to 26 h. After completion of this test, areas, use a wipe test as described in 7.2.2 and subject the used
the surface should show no evidence of rust stains or other cloth or plug to ultraviolet lamp inspection in a blacked-out
corrosion products. area. Fluorescence of the surface, cloth, or plug indicates the
7.2.5.3 Copper Sulfate Test—This highly sensitive method presence of contaminants. The nature of the contamination can
is recommended for the detection of metallic iron or iron oxide be determined by subjecting a sample of the contaminant, that
on the surface of austenitic 200 and 300 Series, duplex, the has been transferred to a clean quartz microscope slide, to
precipitation hardening alloys, and the ferritic 400 Series infrared analysis. The test will not detect straight-chain hydro-
stainless steels containing 16 % chromium or more. It is not carbons such as mineral oils.
recommended for the martensitic and lower chromium ferritic 7.3.3 Atomizer Test is a test for the presence of hydrophobic
stainless steels of the 400 Series since the test may show a films. It is applicable to both small and large surfaces that are
positive reaction on these materials irrespective of the presence accessible for direct visual examination, and is about 100×
or absence of anodic surface contaminants. The test solution is more sensitive than the water-break test. The test procedure
prepared by first adding sulfuric acid to distilled water and then and interpretation of results are described in Test Method F21.
dissolving copper sulfate in the following proportions High-purity water should be used for the test.
(Warning—Always add acid to cold water.): 7.3.4 Ferroxyl Test for Free Iron is a hypersensitive test and
Distilled water 250 mL should be used only when even traces of free iron or iron oxide
95–100 % Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) 1 mL might be objectionable. The test can be used on stainless steel
Copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) 4g
to detect iron contamination from sources including, but not
Apply the test solution to the surface to be inspected, limited to, iron-tool marks, residual-iron salts from pickling
applying additional solution if needed to keep the surface wet solutions, iron dust, atmospheric exposure, iron deposits in
for a period of 6 min. The specimen shall be rinsed and dried welds, embedded iron and iron oxide. The test solution is
in a manner not to remove any deposited copper. A copper prepared by first adding nitric acid to distilled water and then
deposit indicates the presence of free iron. adding potassium ferricyanide, in the following proportions:
7.2.5.4 Martensitic Grade Adherent Copper Sulfate Test— Distilled water 94 weight % 1000 mL [1 gal]
The copper sulfate test as set forth in 7.2.5.3 is not applicable Nitric acid (60–67 %) 3 weight % 20 mL [0.2 pt]
to surgical and dental instruments made of hardened marten- Potassium ferricyanide 3 weight % 30 g [4 oz]
sitic stainless steels. Instead, a specialized copper sulfate test is The test solution shall be mixed fresh the day the tests are
extensively used for the purpose of detecting free iron and made since it changes color on standing. Apply solution with
determining overall good manufacturing practice. Copper de- an aluminum, plastic, glass, or rubber atomizer having no iron
posits on the surface of such instruments are wiped with or steel parts, or a swab (atomizer spray is preferred).
moderate vigor to determine if the copper is adherent or 7.3.4.1 The appearance of a blue stain within 15 s of
nonadherent. Instruments with nonadherent copper are consid- application is evidence of surface iron contamination. Several
ered acceptable. The specialized test solution is prepared by minutes may be required for detection of oxide scale. The
first adding sulfuric acid to distilled water and then dissolving solution should be removed from the surface as quickly as

7
 A380/A380M − 17
possible after testing using water or, if necessary, white vinegar sludge in the bottom of cleaning tanks; the formation of oil,
or a solution of 5 to 20 weight % acetic acid and scrubbing scums, and undissolved matter on liquid surfaces; and high
with a fiber brush. Flush the surface with water several times concentrations of emulsified oil, metal or chemical ions, and
after use of vinegar or acetic acid. suspended solids in the liquids. Periodic cleaning of vats and
degreasing tanks, decanting, periodic bottom-drain, agitation
NOTE 3—Potassium ferricyanide is not a dangerous poison as are the
simple cyanides. However, when heated to decomposition or in contact of solutions, and similar provisions are essential to maintain
with concentrated acid, it emits highly toxic cyanide fumes. the effectiveness of solutions. Care must be taken to prevent
NOTE 4—Rubber gloves, clothing, and face shields should be worn water contamination of trichloroethylene and other haloge-
when applying the test solution, and inhalation of the atomized spray nated solvents, both while in storage and in use. Redistillation
should be avoided. and filtering of solvents and vapor-degreasing agents are
NOTE 5—The test is not recommended for process-surfaces of equip-
ment that will be used for processing food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, or
necessary before reuse. Makeup is often required to maintain
other products for human consumption unless all traces of the test solution concentrations and pH of cleaning solutions at effective levels.
can be thoroughly removed. Do not overuse chemical cleaners, particularly acids and
vapor-degreasing solvents; if light films or oily residues remain
8. Precautions on the metal surfaces after use of such agents, additional
8.1 Minimizing Iron Contamination—Iron contamination on scrubbing with hot water and detergent, followed by repeated
stainless steel parts, components, and systems is almost always rinsing with large quantities of hot water, may be necessary.
confined to the surface. If reasonable care is taken in 8.3 Rinse Water—Ordinary industrial or potable waters are
fabrication, simple inexpensive cleaning procedures may suf- usually suitable for most metal-cleaning applications. Biologi-
fice for its removal, and very little special cleaning should be cally tested potable water should be used for final rinsing of
required. Fabrication should be confined to an area where only food-handling, pharmaceutical, dairy, potable-water, and other
the one grade of material is being worked. Powder cutting sanitary equipment and systems. Rinsing and flushing of
should be minimized or prohibited. Handling equipment such critical components and systems after finish-cleaning often
as slings, hooks, and lift-truck forks should be protected with requires high-purity deionized water, having strict controls on
clean wood, cloth, or plastic buffers to reduce contact with the halide content, pH, resistivity, turbidity, and nonvolatile resi-
iron surfaces. Walking on corrosion-resistant alloy surfaces dues. Analytical methods that may be used for establishing the
should be avoided; where unavoidable, personnel should wear purity of rinse water should be demonstrated to have the
clean shoe covers each time they enter. Kraft paper, blotting sensitivity necessary to detect specified impurity levels; the
paper, paperboard, flannel, vinyl-backed adhesive tape or analytical methods given in the Annual Book of ASTM
paper, or other protective material should be laid over areas Standards, Vol 03.05, are recommended for referee purposes in
where personnel are required to walk. Shearing tables, press case of dispute. To minimize the use of costly high-purity
breaks, layout stands, and other carbon-steel work surfaces water, preliminary rinses can often be made with somewhat
should be covered with clean kraft paper, cardboard, or blotting lesser quality water, followed by final rinsing with the high-
paper to reduce the amount of contact with the carbon steel. purity water. It is also possible in many cases to use effluent or
Hand tools, brushes, molding tools, and other tools and overflow from the final rinse operation for preliminary rinsing
supplies required for fabrication should be segregated from of other items.
similar items used in the fabrication of carbon steel equipment, 8.4 Circulation of Cleaning Solutions and Rinse Water—For
and should be restricted to use on the one material; tools and restricted internal surfaces (for example, small diameter piping
supplies used with other materials should not be brought into systems or the shell or tube side of a heat exchanger),
the fabrication area. Tools and fixtures should be made of high-velocity, turbulent flow of cleaning solutions and rinse
hardened tool steel or chrome-plated steel. Wire brushes should water may be necessary to provide the scrubbing action needed
be stainless steel, or of an alloy composition similar to the steel for effective cleaning and rinsing. The velocity required is a
being cleaned, and should not have been previously used on function of the degree of cleanness required and the size of
other materials. Only new, washed sand that is free of iron particles that are permissible in the system after the start of
particles should be used for casting. operation. For example, if particles between 500 and 1000 µm
8.2 Reuse of Cleaning and Pickling Solutions—Cleaning [0.002 and 0.004 in.] are acceptable to remain, a mean flushing
and pickling agents are weakened and contaminated by mate- velocity of 0.3 to 0.6 m/s [1 to 2 ft/s] may be sufficient for pipe
rials and soil being removed from surfaces as they are cleaned. diameters of DN 50 [NPS 2] and smaller; to remove 100 to
Solutions may become spent or depleted in concentration after 200 µm [0.004 to 0.008 in.] particles, a mean flushing velocity
extended use, and it is necessary to check concentrations and to of 0.9 to 1.2 m/s [3 to 4 ft/s] may be required.
replace or replenish solutions when cleaning or pickling action 8.5 Protection of Cleaned Surfaces—Measures to protect
slows. A1.2 and A2.6 give limits for iron content in descaling cleaned surfaces should be taken as soon as final cleaning is
and passivation solutions respectively. It may be impractical or completed, and should be maintained during all subsequent
uneconomical to discard solutions after a single use, even in fabrication, shipping, inspection, storage, and installation.
precision cleaning operations (that is, finish-cleaning using 8.5.1 Do not remove wrappings and seals from incoming
very high-purity solvents and carried out under clean-room and materials and components until they are at the use site, ready to
rigidly controlled environmental conditions). When solutions be used or installed. If wrappings and seals must be disturbed
are re-used, care shall be taken to prevent the accumulation of for receiving inspection, do not damage them, remove no more

8
 A380/A380M − 17
than necessary to carry out the inspection, and rewrap and 8.5.7 Installed piping systems are often laid up wet, that is,
reseal as soon as the inspection is complete. For critical items they are filled with water (or process fluid) after in-place
that were cleaned by the supplier, and that will not be given cleaning until ready to be placed in service. Storage water
further cleaning at the use site or after installation, the should be of the same quality as the makeup water for the
condition of seals and wrappings should be inspected regularly system, and should be introduced in a manner that it directly
and at fairly short intervals while the item is in storage. replaces the final flush water without permitting the internal
8.5.2 Finish-cleaned materials and components should not surfaces of the system to dry.
be stored directly on the ground or floor, and should not be 8.5.8 Equipment and assemblies for critical applications
permitted, insofar as practicable, to come in contact with may be stored and shipped with pressurized, dry, filtered,
asphalt, galvanized or carbon steel, mercury, zinc, lead, brass, oil-free nitrogen to prevent corrosion until they are ready to be
low-melting point metals, or alloys or compounds of such installed. Means shall be provided for maintaining and moni-
materials. Acid cleaning of surfaces that have been in contact toring the gas pressure during shipping and storage. If the item
with such materials may be necessary to prevent failure of the is to be shipped to or through mountains or other areas where
item when subsequently heated. The use of carbon or galva- the altitude varies greatly from that where it was pressurized,
nized steel wire for bundling and galvanized steel identification consideration must be given to the effect of that change in
tags should be avoided. altitude on the pressure inside the item, and possible rupture or
8.5.3 Store materials and equipment, when in process, on loss of seals.
wood skids or pallets or on metal surfaces that have been 8.5.9 Pressure-sensitive tape is often used for sealing or
protected to prevent direct contact with stainless steel surfaces. protective covers, seals, caps, plugs, and wrappings. If
Keep openings of hollow items (pipe, tubing, valves, tanks, possible, the gummed surface of the tape should not come in
pumps, pressure vessels, and so forth) capped or sealed at all contact with stainless steel surfaces. If tape has come in contact
times except when they must be open to do work on the item, with the metal, clean it with solvent or hot water, and vigorous
using polyethylene, nylon, TFE-fluorocarbon plastic, or stain- scrubbing.
less steel caps, plugs, or seals. Where cleanness of exterior 8.5.10 Protective adhesive papers or plastics are often used
surfaces is important, keep the item wrapped with clear to protect the finish of sheet stock and parts. These materials
polyethylene or TFE-fluorocarbon plastic sheet at all times may harden or deteriorate when subjected to pressure or
except when it is actually being worked on. Avoid asphalt- sunlight, and damage the surface. These materials may also
containing materials. Canvas, adhesive paper or plastics such decompose in time to form substances as described in 8.5.3.
as poly(vinyl chloride) may decompose in time to form Protective material should be removed when its function is
corrosive substances, for example, when exposed to sunlight or complete or its condition monitored for decomposition or
ultraviolet light. The reuse of caps, plugs, or packaging deterioration until it is removed.
materials should be avoided unless they have been cleaned 8.6 Safety—Cleaning operations often present numerous
prior to reuse. hazards to both personnel and facilities. [Material] Safety Data
8.5.4 Clean stainless steel wire brushes and hand tools Sheets (MSDS/SDS) should be consulted to determine the
before reuse on corrosion-resistant materials; if they have not hazards of handling specific chemicals.
been cleaned and if they could have been used on electrolyti- 8.6.1 Precautions shall be taken to protect personnel,
cally different materials, the surfaces contacted by the tools equipment, and facilities. This includes provisions for venting
should be acid-cleaned. The use of soft-face hammers or terne of explosive or toxic reaction-product gases, safe disposal of
(lead)-coated, galvanized, or unprotected carbon steel tables, used solutions, provision of barriers and warning signs, provi-
jigs, racks, slings, or fixtures should be avoided (see 8.5.2). sions for safe transfer of dangerous chemicals, and mainte-
8.5.5 If close control of particulate contamination is nance of constant vigilance for hazards and leaks during the
required, particularly of internal surfaces, the latter stages of cleaning operation.
assembly and fabrication may have to be carried out in a clean 8.6.2 The physical capability of the item or system to be
room. For most large items, an air cleanliness class (see ISO cleaned, together with its foundations, to withstand the loads
14644-1 and ISO 14644-2) at the work surface of Class 8 (that produced by the additional weight of fluids used in the cleaning
is, a maximum of 3 520 000 per m3 [100 000 per ft3] particles operation, shall be established before the start of cleaning
0.5 µm [20 µin.] or larger suspended in the air) is probably operations.
sufficient. 8.6.3 Insofar as possible, chemicals having explosive, toxic,
or obnoxious fumes should be handled out of doors.
NOTE 6—Clean room is a specially constructed enclosure in which 8.6.4 The area in which the cleaning operation is being
intake air is filtered so that the air at a work station contains no more than
a specified number of particles of a specified size; special personnel and conducted should be kept clean and free of debris at all times,
housekeeping procedures are required to maintain cleanness levels in a and should be cleaned upon completion of the operation.
clean room (see ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2).
8.7 Disposal of Used Solutions and Water—Federal, state,
8.5.6 Workmen handling finished cleaned surfaces of criti- and local safety and water pollution control regulations should
cal items should wear clean lint-free cotton, nylon or dacron be consulted, particularly when large volumes of chemical
cloth or polyethylene film gloves. Rubber or plastic gloves are solutions must be disposed of. Controlled release of large
suitable during precleaning operations or cleaning of non- volumes of rinse water may be necessary to avoid damaging
critical surfaces. sewers or stream beds.

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 A380/A380M − 17
9. Keywords
9.1 austenitic stainless steels; cleaning; corrosion; corrosive
service applications; descaling; duplex stainless steels; ferritic
stainless steels; martensitic stainless steels; pickling; stainless
steels

ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS FOR ACID DESCALING (PICKLING) OF STAINLESS STEEL
(See Table A1.1.)

A1.1 Where size and shape permit, immersion in the acid heat treatment or by welding. Crevices resulting from inter-
solution is preferred; when immersion is not practicable, one of granular attack can collect and concentrate halogens under
the following room-temperature methods may be used: service conditions or during cleaning or processing with certain
A1.1.1 For interior surfaces, partially fill item with solution chemicals; these halogens can cause stress-corrosion cracking.
and rock, rotate, or circulate so that all inside surfaces are These alloys should generally not be acid-pickled while in the
thoroughly wetted. Keep surfaces in contact with acid solution sensitized condition. Consideration should be given to stabi-
until inspection shows that scale is completely removed. lized or low-carbon grades if acid pickling after welding is
Additional exposure without agitation may be needed. Treat unavoidable.
exterior surfaces in accordance with A1.1.2.
A1.4 Some latitude is permissible in adjusting acid
A1.1.2 Surfaces that cannot be pickled by filling the item concentrations, temperatures, and contact times. In general,
may be descaled by swabbing or spraying with acid solution lower values in this table apply to lower alloys, and higher
for about 30 min, or until inspection shows that scale is values to higher alloys. Close control over these variables is
completely removed.
necessary once proper values are established in order to
A1.2 Severe pitting may result from prolonged exposure to preserve desired finishes or close dimensional tolerances, or
certain acid solutions if the solution becomes depleted or if the both.
concentration of metallic salts becomes too high as a result of
A1.5 Materials shall be degreased before acid pickling, and
prolonged use of the solution; the concentration of iron should
not exceed 5 weight %; take care to prevent over-pickling. shall be thoroughly rinsed after completion of pickling; pH of
final rinse water should be between 6 and 8 for most
A1.3 Nitric-hydrofluoric acid solutions may intergranularly applications, or 6.5 to 7.5 for critical applications. When
corrode certain alloys if they have been sensitized by improper applicable, materials may be vigorously brushed with hot water

TABLE A1.1 Acid Descaling (Pickling) of Stainless Steel

Treatment
AlloyA ConditionB Time,
Code Solution, Volume, %C Temperature °C [°F]
Minutes
D
200, 300, and 400 Series, duplex, precipitation fully annealed only A H2SO4, 8–11 % , Follow by 65–80 [150–180] 5–45E
hardening, and maraging alloys (except free- treatment D or F, Annex A2,
machining alloys) as appropriate

200 and 300 Series, 400 Series containing Cr fully annealed only B HNO3, 15–25 % plus HF, 20–60 [70–140] 5–30E
16 % or more, duplex, and precipitation-hardening 1–8 %F,G
alloys (except free-machining alloys)

All free-machining alloys and 400 Series fully annealed only C HNO3, 10–15 % plus HF, 20 (up to 60 with caution) 5–30E
containing less than Cr 16 % 0.5–1.5 %F,G [70–140]
A
This table is also applicable to the cast grades equivalent to the families of wrought materials listed.
B
Other heat treatments may be acceptable if proven by experience: see 5.2.1, A2.4, and A2.5 for further information.
C
Solution prepared from reagents of following weight %: H2SO4, 98 %; HNO3, 67 %; HF, 70 %.
D
Tight scale may be removed by a dip in this solution for a few minutes followed by water rinse and nitric-hydrofluoric acid treatment as noted.
E
Minimum contact times necessary to obtain the desired surface should be used in order to prevent over-pickling. Tests should be made to establish correct procedures
for specific applications.
F
For reasons of convenience and handling safety, commercial formulations containing fluoride salts may be found useful in place of HF for preparing nitric-hydrofluoric
acid solutions.
G
After pickling and water rinsing, an aqueous caustic permanganate solution containing NaOH, 10 weight % and KMnO4, 4 weight %, 70 to 80°C [160 to 180°F], 5 to 60
min, may be used as a final dip for removal of smut, followed by thorough water rinsing and drying.

10
 A380/A380M − 17
and a bristle brush or with high-pressure water jet on comple- mended where possible. If acid pickling is unavoidable, parts
tion of pickling; an initial low pressure rinse to minimize acid should be heated at 120 to 150°C [250 to 300°F] for 24 h
splashing is permissible. To minimize staining, surfaces shall immediately following acid treatment to drive off the hydrogen
not be permitted to dry between successive steps of the acid and reduce the susceptibility to embrittlement.
descaling and rinsing procedure. Thorough drying should
follow the final water rinse. A1.7 Proper personnel protection, including face shields,
rubber gloves, and rubber protective clothing, must be pro-
A1.6 Hardenable 400 Series alloys, maraging alloys, and vided when handling acids and other corrosive chemicals.
precipitation-hardening alloys in the hardened condition are Adequate ventilation and strict personnel-access controls must
subject to hydrogen embrittlement or intergranular attack by be maintained in areas where such chemicals are being used.
pickling acids. Descaling by mechanical methods is recom-

A2. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS FOR ACID CLEANING OF STAINLESS STEEL (See Table A2.1.)

A2.1 Treatments shown are generally adequate for removal A2.5 Nitric-hydrofluoric acid solutions may intergranularly
of contamination without seriously changing surface appear- corrode certain alloys if they have been sensitized by improper
ance of parts. Passivated parts should exhibit a clean surface heat treatment or by welding. Crevices resulting from inter-
and should show no etching, pitting, or frosting. The purchaser granular attack can collect and concentrate halogens under
shall specify whether a slight discoloration is acceptable. service conditions or during cleaning or subsequent processing;
Passivated parts should not exhibit staining attributable to the these halogens can cause stress-corrosion cracking. Such alloys
presence of free iron particles embedded in the surface when should not be cleaned with nitric-hydrofluoric acid solutions
subjected to one of the tests described in 7.2.5 or 7.3.4. For while in the sensitized condition. Consideration should be
specific requirements for items to be used in corrosive service given to use of stabilized or low-carbon alloys if this kind of
or where surface appearance is critical, trials should be cleaning after welding is unavoidable.
conducted to establish satisfactory procedures.
A2.6 Severe pitting may result from prolonged exposure to
A2.2 The high-carbon and free-machining alloys may be certain acids if the solution becomes depleted or if the
subject to etching or discoloration in nitric acid. This tendency concentration of metallic salts becomes too high as a result of
can be minimized by the use of high acid concentrations with prolonged use of the solution; the concentration of iron should
inhibitors such as Na2Cr2O7·2H2O or CuSO4·5H2O. Oxidizing not exceed 2 weight %; take care to avoid overexposure.
action increases with increasing concentration of nitric acid;
additional oxidizing action is provided by Na2Cr2O7·2H2 O. A2.7 Nitric acid solutions are effective for removing free
Avoid acid cleaning when possible; use mechanical cleaning iron and other metallic contamination, but are not effective
followed by scrubbing with hot water and detergent, final against scale, heavy deposits of corrosion products, temper
thorough water rinsing and drying. films, or greasy or oily contaminants. Refer to Annex A1 for
recommended practices where scale, heavy deposits of corro-
A2.3 Inhibitors may not always be required to maintain sion products, or heat-temper discoloration must be removed.
bright finishes on 200 and 300 Series, maraging, and Use conventional degreasing methods for removal of greasy or
precipitation-hardening alloys. oil contaminants before any acid treatment.
A2.4 Hardenable 400 Series, maraging, and precipitation- A2.8 The citric acid-sodium nitrate treatment is the least
hardening alloys in the hardened condition are subject to hazardous for removal of free iron and other metallic contami-
hydrogen embrittlement or intergranular attack when exposed nation and light surface contamination. Spraying of the
to acids that can cause the generation of hydrogen on the item solution, as compared to immersion, tends to reduce cleaning
being cleaned. Cleaning by mechanical methods or other time.
chemical methods is recommended. If acid treatment is
unavoidable, parts should be heated at 120 to 150°C [250 to A2.9 Some latitude is permissible in adjusting acid
300°F] for 24 h immediately following acid cleaning to drive concentrations, temperatures, and contact times; close control
off hydrogen and reduce susceptibility to embrittlement. The over these variables is essential once proper values have been
cleaning methods described in Parts II and III of Table A2.1 established. Care shall be taken to prevent acid depletion and
will not lead to the generation of hydrogen on hardenable 400 buildup of metallic salt concentrations with prolonged use of
Series, maraging, and precipitation-hardening alloys in the solutions. In general, increasing the treatment temperature may
hardened condition. Therefore, the post-cleaning thermal treat- accelerate or improve the overall cleaning action but it may
ment is not required when these solutions are used for cleaning. also increase the risk of surface staining or damage.

11
 A380/A380M − 17
TABLE A2.1 Acid Cleaning of Stainless Steel
Treatment
Alloy Condition Time,
Code Solution, Volume %A Temperature °C [°F]
MinutesB
PART I—Cleaning with Nitric-Hydrofluoric Acid

Purpose—For use after descaling by mechanical or other chemical methods as a further treatment to remove residual particles of scale or products of chemical action
(that is, smut), and to produce a uniform “white pickled” finish.

200 and 300 Series, 400 Series containing Cr fully annealed only D HNO3, 6–25 % plus HF, 20–60 [70–140] as necessary
16 % or more, duplex, and precipitation-hardening 0.5–8 %C,D
alloys (except free-machining alloys).

Free-machining alloys, maraging alloys, and 400 fully annealed only E HNO3, 10 % plus HF, 20 (up to 60 with caution) 1–2
Series containing less than Cr 16 %. 0.5–1.5 %C,D [70–140]

PART II—Cleaning-Passivation with Nitric Acid Solution (see also Specification A967/A967M for additional passivation methods)

Purpose—For removal of soluble salts, corrosion products, and free iron and other metallic contamination resulting from handling, fabrication, or exposure to contami-
nated atmospheres (see 6.2.11).

200 and 300 Series, 400 Series, duplex, precipita- annealed, cold-rolled, F HNO3, 20–50 %D 50–70 [120–160] 10
tion hardening and maraging alloys containing Cr thermally-hardened, or 20–40 [70–100] 30
16 % or more (except free-machining alloys).E work-hardened, with
dull or non-reflective
surfaces

SameE annealed, cold-rolled, G HNO3, 20–40 % plus 50–70 [120–160] 10

thermally hardened, or Na2Cr2O7·2H2O, 2–6 20–40 [70–100] 30
work-hardened with weight %D
bright-machined or pol-
ished surfaces

400 Series, maraging and precipitation-hardening annealed or hardened H HNO3, 20–50 % 45–55 [110–130] 20
alloys containing less than Cr 16 % high-carbon- with dull or non reflec- 20–40 [70–100] 60
straight Cr alloys (except free-machining alloys)E tive surfaces

SameE annealed or hardened I HNO3, 20–25 % plus 50–55 [120–130] 15

with bright machined Na2Cr2O7·2H2O, 2–6 20–40 [70–100] 30
or polished surfaces weight %F

200, 300, and 400 Series free-machining alloys.E annealed or hardened, J HNO3, 20–50 % plus 20–50 [70–120] 25
with bright machined Na2Cr2O7·2H2O, 2–6
or polished surfaces weight %F,G

SameE same K HNO3, 1–2 % plus 50–60 [120–140] 10H

Na2Cr2O7·2H2O, 1–5
weight %

SameE same L HNO3, 12 % plus 50–60 [120–140] 10

CuSO4·5H2O, 4 weight %F

Special free-machining 400 Series alloys with annealed or hardened M HNO3, 40–60 % plus 50–70 [120–160] 20
more than Mn 1.25 % or more than S 0.40 %E with bright machined Na2Cr2O7·2H2O, 2–6
or polished surfaces weight %F

PART III—Cleaning with Other Chemical Solutions

Purpose—General cleaning.

200, 300, and 400 Series (except free-machining fully annealed only N citric acid, 1 weight % plus 20 [70] 60
alloys), duplex, precipitation hardening and marag- NaNO3, 1 weight %
ing alloys

Same same O ammonium citrate, 5–10 50–70 [120–160] 10–60

weight %

Assemblies of stainless and carbon steel (for sensitized P inhibited solution of hydroxy- 95 [200] 6h
example, heat exchanger with stainless steel tubes acetic acid, 2 weight % and
and carbon steel shell) formic acid, 1 weight %

12
 A380/A380M − 17
TABLE A2.1 Continued
Same same Q inhibited ammonia up to 120 [250] 6h
neutralized solution of EDTA
(ethylene-diamene-
tetraacetic acid) followed by
hot water rinse and dip in
solution of 10 ppm
ammonium hydroxide plus
100 ppm hydrazine
A
Solution prepared from reagents of following weight %: HNO3, 67 %; HF, 70 %.
B
Minimum, unless range is indicated
C
For reasons of convenience and handling safety, commercial formulations containing fluoride salts may be found useful in place of HF for preparing nitrichydrofluoric
acid solutions.
D
After acid cleaning and water rising, a caustic permanganate solution containing NaOH, 10 weight %, and KMnO4, 4 weight %, 70 to 80°C [160 to 180°F], 5 to 60 min,
may be used as a final dip for removal of smut, followed by thorough water rinsing and drying.
E
The purchaser shall have the option of specifying in his purchase documents that all 400 Series ferritic or martensitic parts receive additional treatment as follows: Within
1 h after the water rinse following the specified passivation treatment, all parts shall be immersed in an aqueous solution containing 4 to 6 weight % Na2Cr2O7 · 2H2O,
at 60 to 70°C [140 to 160°F], 30 min. This immersion shall be followed by thorough rinsing with clean water. The parts then shall be thoroughly dried.
F
See A2.2.
G
If flash attack (clouding of stainless steel surface) occurs, a fresh (clean) passivating solution or a higher HNO3 concentration will usually eliminate it.
H
Shorter times may be acceptable where established by test and agreed upon by the purchaser.

A2.10 Materials shall be degreased before acid treatment, A2.11 Proper personnel protection, including face shields,
and shall be thoroughly rinsed after completion of acid rubber gloves, and rubber protective clothing, must be pro-
treatment; pH of final rinse water should be between 6 and 8 vided when handling acids and other corrosive chemicals.
for most applications, or 6.5 to 7.5 for critical applications. Adequate ventilation and strict personnel access controls must
When applicable, materials may be vigorously brushed with be maintained where such chemicals are being used.
hot water and a bristle brush or with high-pressure water jet on
completion of pickling; an initial low pressure rinse to mini- A2.12 Pickling and cleaning or passivating solutions con-
mize acid splashing is permissible. To minimize staining, taining nitric acid will severely attack carbon steel items
surfaces shall not be permitted to dry between successive steps including the carbon steel in stainless steel-clad assemblies.
of the acid cleaning or passivation and rinsing procedure.
Thorough drying should follow the final water rinse.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(A380/A380M – 13) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Sept. 1, 2017/)

(1) Fed. Std 209E replaced by ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2 (5) Removed contents of previous 7.2.5 and placed them in
due to its cancellation. new 7.2.1.1.
(2) 5.2.2 and 6.2.11 precleaning made a requirement in accor- (6) Revised 7.2.5.1 and 7.2.5.3.
dance with A1.5 and A2.10. (7) Added duplex grades to Tables A1.1 and A2.1.
(3) Revised 5.2.2 and added new 5.2.3. Renumbered subse- (8) Added low pressure initial rinse option and reduced scrub-
quent sections accordingly. bing requirement in A1.5 and A2.10.
(4) Revised 6.2.11 and added new 6.2.12. (9) Changed time spans to minimums in Table A2.1 Part II.

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