Pickling and Passivation

Pickling and
Passivation
Pickling and Passivation
PICKLING and PASSIVATION are chemical treatments applied to the surface of stainless steel to remove contaminants
and assist the formation of a continuous chromium-oxide, passive film. Pickling and passivation are both acid
treatments and neither will remove grease or oil. If the fabrication is dirty, it may be necessary to use a detergent
or alkaline clean before pickling or passivation.
What is?
Pickling When steel is heated by welding or other means to the extent that a heat tint or oxide
scale layer is visible, the layer below that has been depleted of chromium, thereby
making the steel less resistant to corrosion. Pickling steel is the process of applying
an acid solution to remove heat affected zones along with the underlying chromium
reduced layer from the stainless steel. Pickled steel is free from surface carbon steel
contamination and embedded iron particles. It typically leaves a dull, matte grey finish.
Simply stated, pickling removes the heat affected layer of stainless steel and prepares
the surface for passivation.
Passivation Passivation is a process that is separate from pickling, which can be performed on its own
or after pickling. Unlike pickling, the passivation process does not remove any metal.
Instead, the surface of the stainless steel is treated with an oxidizing acid, to dissolve
carbon steel, sulfide inclusions and remove iron and other surface contaminants from
the stainless. The acid further works to promote the formation of the chromium-rich
passive film, which imparts the corrosion resistance quality. Whereas pickled steel will
appear dull or etched, passivation that is done correctly does not affect the metal’s
appearance.
Why?
Many people are unaware of the fact that
stainless steels are often in a natural passive state.
However, whenever the steel is manipulated
or fabricated in any way, such as when it is
welded, the natural chromium oxide film on
the metal surface is tarnished. As a result of
that, the corrosion resistance of the stainless
steel weakens following welding. To restore
the chromium oxide film on the surface of the
metal, one needs to passivate the stainless steel.
As a matter of fact, one of the main reasons why
stainless steels need to be passivated is because before Pickling after Pickling
of welding. As a metal is welded, it loses its free
iron from the alloy and the overall structure of the metal surface is transformed considerably. In the heat affected
zone of the weld, the chrome to iron ratio is significantly decreased. The iron that is free flowing on the metal
surface of the stainless steel can facilitate corrosion/roughing.
How?
Which is the best passivation method available?
Passivation and Acid Passivation Treatment

It’s a well-known fact that stainless steel is corrosion resistant. What is less known is that a passive, chromium
rich, oxide film that builds up naturally on the surface of the steel is responsible for the corrosion resistance. The
formation of this passive layer is called passivation.
Passivation is a natural occurrence. However, it is possible to augment passivation by employing certain industrial
techniques. These techniques involve oxidising acid treatments. It can be said that an acid treatment is the best
method of passivating steel.
Ambient Temperature and High Temperature Corrosion Resistance

A simple oxide film or scale can be formed on the surface of the steel by applying heat. The same cannot be said
for a passive layer. When heat is applied on the steel, the natural passive layer becomes thicker. In addition to
changing volume, it changes colour as it goes from heat tint hues to a grey oxide scale. As a result of these visible
oxide layers, the ambient temperature corrosion resistance of the steel is decreased.
Furnace parts are examples of stainless steel components that are tailor made to function in really high temperatures.
In order to stay protected from high temperature oxidation, they are layered with these thicker, durable, oxide
scale coatings.
On the other hand, in components that are made to work in ambient temperature environments, a thin transparent
“passive layer” is enough to serve the purpose of corrosion resistance.
Requisites for Acid Passivation Treatment

Powerful oxidising conditions can be used to boost the formation of the chromium rich oxide passive layer on the
surface of stainless steel. Nitric acid is the most suitable solvent for this oxidising acid treatment. Its availability,
convenience and effectiveness makes it a widely used solvent in industrial stainless steel passivation treatments.
Other more weak oxidising acids such as citric acid can also amplify passivation.
Steel components and fabrications that are derived from manufacturing mills and reputable stockholders are
known to be fully passive. However, there are exceptions in each case. For instance, machined parts that have a
complicated design and delicate structure may be in need of passivation treatments.
WHAT ACO DOES?
All ACO stainless steel drainage products are pickle passivated by immersing products in a series of acid baths.
This is a fundamental requirement for removing iron embedded particulates introduced in the fabrication process
and also for restoring the chromium depleted regions generated by the welding process. ACO has one of the
largest and most advanced pickle passivation installations in Europe which ensures the optimum corrosion
resistance of our products compliance to BSEN 2516.
The Effective Solution for Waste Water Management

Visit us at www.aco.in to check our range of stainless steel offerings.
ACO shower channel ACO stainless steel pipe
ACO hygienic kitchen drain channel
ACO hygienic gully
ACO slotted grating
ACO Systems and Solutions Private Limited

Unit No: 116 - 118, First Floor, No: 12, ACO. creating the future of drainage
Richmond Towers, Richmond Road, Bangalore - 560 025
Phone: +91 80 2248 5487/ 2248 5488
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Pickling and Passivation

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Pickling and

Passivation and Acid Passivation Treatment

Ambient Temperature and High Temperature Corrosion Resistance

Requisites for Acid Passivation Treatment

The Effective Solution for Waste Water Management

ACO shower channel ACO stainless steel pipe

ACO hygienic kitchen drain channel

ACO hygienic gully

ACO slotted grating

ACO Systems and Solutions Private Limited

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