Skip to main content

How the use of acid inhibitors prevents flash rusting during acid cleaning?

 

One of the crucial aspects of metal infrastructure maintenance is the regular cleaning process. Within this domain, Acid Cleaning emerges as a pivotal method renowned for its efficacy in eradicating rust, scale, and contaminants from metal surfaces across diverse industrial sectors. However, amidst its utility, a notable challenge looms the occurrence of flash rusting. This phenomenon entails the rapid onset of rust, swiftly spreading across metal surfaces upon exposure to oxygen and moisture. It serves as a significant indicator, suggesting potential salt contamination, heightened humidity levels, or a combination of both factors. In the perpetual endeavor to combat corrosion, the emergence of flash rusting introduces a compelling element to the narrative of metal preservation.

Let us first try to understand what’s and whys of flash rusting. It is a rapid corrosion process that occurs when metal surfaces, stripped of rust and contaminants through acid cleaning, react with oxygen and moisture from the atmosphere. The freshly exposed metal becomes highly susceptible to oxidation, leading to the formation of iron oxide or rust. This type of rusting typically occurs within minutes after cleaning operations are completed. The rate of flash corrosion depends upon the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, impurities present in the water, the amount of ionic compound on the metal surfaces, and the total drying time.

As we all know corrosion creates various effect that weakens the integrity of the entire infrastructure. It's not just about the visible damage – it's the ripple effect. It leads to losses worth over 900 thousand crores in India Annually.

 

“As India moves towards a USD 5 trillion economy goal, dealing with a challenge like corrosion in projects should be a key focus area, said Rajamani Krishna Murti, president of Indian Stainless-Steel Development”

 

Role of Acid Inhibitors

Acid inhibitors are chemicals added to acidic solutions during the cleaning process to prevent flash rusting. These inhibitors also prevent corrosive reactions of acids with metal surfaces, extending longevity and reducing operational costs. By forming a protective layer, they shield the metal from direct contact with acids, inhibiting corrosion and enhancing durability. They combat corrosion, control its impact, improve resistance, prevent rust, and provide essential surface treatment.

Working Mechanism

·         Passivation: These inhibitors create a passivation layer, which act as a barrier, reducing the reactivity of the metal with free acid ions.

·         Chemical Reaction Inhibition: These complexes effectively block active sites on the metal, reducing the rate of oxidation.

·         Film Formation: Some form a thin film over the metal surface, creating a physical barrier that shields the metal from acid elements. This film helps prevent the initiation of corrosion reactions, thus minimizing the risk of flash rusting.

Variants

Different types of acids require specialized inhibitors for effective metal protection during cleaning processes:

 

·         Inhibitor for hydrochloric acid: Forms protective films to shield metal from corrosion during acid cleaning, ensuring durability in corrosive environments.

·         Inhibitor for sulfuric acid: Reduces corrosion rates and extends equipment lifespan in corrosive environments by forming protective films on metals during acid etching.

·         Organic Inhibitors: Compounds like amines, phosphates, and organic acids adsorb onto metal surfaces, forming protective films that inhibit corrosion during acid cleaning.

·         Inhibitors for sulfamic acid: Comprising diethyl thiourea, stabilizers, and surfactants, these inhibitors act as semi-foaming acidic corrosion inhibitors, ideal for pre-formulated descaling. Effective on various metal surfaces including Copper, Brass, Nickel, Tin, Lead, Zinc, galvanized surfaces, and all steel types.

In essence, specialized formulations tailored to each acid type are essential for effective corrosion prevention during cleaning processes. With Chemtex Speciality Limited's expertise and innovative solutions, the battle against corrosion takes a significant step forward, ensuring a brighter and more durable future for metal-dependent industries.

Visit for more information: https://www.chemtexltd.com/products-and-solutions/performance-chemicals/corrosion-inhibitor/acid-corrosion-inhibitor/

 

Popular posts from this blog

Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) Coolant

Optimal use of machines is directly proportional to its engine performance. What an engine does is it converts the supplied energy into its mechanical form, driving the machine to work. Engines require one-third of total heat that is generated during conversion and the rest of the heat is needed to be evacuated from the combustion chamber which would otherwise lead to engine failure. Earlier, water was preferred as an ideal coolant for quite a period of time but the problem started to arise when the temperature would become extremely high or low, to be precise temperature more than 100 ° C and below 0°C. To get rid of this problem, coolants were formulated. Coolants are categorized chemicals that increases the boiling point of the fluid and decreases the freezing point of the fluid to make it suitable for use in extreme heat and freezing conditions. Coolants are a proportionate mixture of antifreeze and solvent, mainly glycol and water. Ideally utilized as a preventive in...
Read more

How RO Antiscalant works?

  Reverse Osmosis technology provides an efficient and reliable method for purifying water for various purposes). It can remove impurities such as salts, minerals, and other contaminants as well as microbial contaminants from the Membrane. Water molecules pass through RO membranes despite dissolved solids and other contaminants being rejected by the membrane. RO membranes are basically thin, dense, and semi-permeable membranes. However, the major significant challenge in Reverse Osmosis System is Scaling. Why does it happen? The formation of scales on the RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane is primarily caused by the presence of certain dissolved minerals and salts in feed water. Scale refers to the accumulation of mineral deposits, such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate, and silica which can severely impact the efficiency and the lifespan of the RO membrane. RO Membrane scaling may lead to cause ·          Excessive Energy Consumption...
Read more

How Effective is Nano Silver Hydrogen Peroxide on Agriculture Fields?

  Agriculture industry plays an essential role in enhancing productivity, sustainability, and overall crop health.   It manages food security for an increasing population and a number of rural people rely on it for hand-to-mouth income. As traditional methods faced some hurdles by climate change, pests, and diseases which resulted in damage to crops as well as destroying the hard work of farmers. It can be controlled by soil disinfection that includes various harsh chemicals or high-temperature treatments that give a bad impact on soil health and the environment. Nano Silver Hydrogen Peroxide is a game-changing technology that seamlessly combines the power of silver nanoparticles and hydrogen peroxide and can be used as a nematicide in agriculture fields, protecting crops and plantations from serious diseases. Compared to other forms of disinfectant such as glutaraldehyde, QAC, Formaldehyde, Chlorine ion, the disinfecting efficacy of Nano Silver Stabilized Hydrogen Peroxide...
Read more