Stainless steel can be prone to corrosion if the surface becomes contaminated.
At Metapic, we specialise in using chemical treatments such as pickling and passivation to cleanse the surface and promote the formation of a protective chromium-oxide layer.
This process helps maintain the durability and longevity of stainless steel in various industrial applications.
Pickling involves the chemical removal of high-temperature scale and any adjacent low-chromium layer from the surface of stainless steel.
This is particularly necessary when the steel has been exposed to high heat, such as during welding or heat treatments, which can cause a visible coloured oxide layer. Beneath this oxide layer, a chromium-depleted zone forms, reducing the steel’s resistance to corrosion.
To restore optimal corrosion resistance, it is essential to eliminate this compromised metal layer, exposing a fully alloyed stainless-steel surface. While mechanical methods may leave behind abrasive particles or prove impractical, chemical pickling effectively removes these impurities.
At Metapic, we use a specialised pickling procedure that incorporates a solution mix of:
This solution removes the scale and underlying chromium-depleted layer, reinstating the steel’s corrosion resistance. Additionally, our pickling process effectively eliminates contaminants such as ferrous and ferric oxide particles.
We adhere to ASTM A380, the internationally recognised standard for stainless steel pickling, ensuring the highest quality and safety.
Established in Sheffield in 1960 Metapic have been an ever present company steel treatment company for over 60 years.
With years of hands-on experience, we offer a comprehensive range of cleaning and chemical passivation processes.
Our time-served expertise ensures high-quality results across various applications, providing reliable and effective solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients.
Immersion pickling is the preferred method at Metapic, offering superior results compared to spray pickling. This process ensures that the entire item is fully submerged in acid, allowing the solution to reach every surface, inside and out, for a thorough and consistent pickling treatment.
At Metapic, we opt to pickle at ambient temperature for several key reasons:
With over 60 years of experience in metal treatment, Metapic offers unparalleled expertise in both pickling and passivation processes.
Our advanced facilities and skilled team are dedicated to delivering exceptional results across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Nuclear, Water Treatment, and more.
Trust Metapic to enhance the performance and longevity of your stainless-steel assets with our comprehensive metal treatment services.