WORK INSTRUCTIONS.

Procedure No :
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Prepared By :
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PROCEDURE FOR Page :

1 of 5
PICKLING AND
PASSIVATION Approved By :

QMR

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Signature Date

FIS-WI-08 1 1 Issuance of Procedure July 15, 2013

FIS-WI-08 0 1 Issuance of Procedure Sep 05, 2010
Doc. No. Revision Status Issue No. Description Date
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INDEX

SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.

COVER SHEET 1
INDEX 2
1.0 SCOPE 3
2.0 PURPOSE 3
3.0 PRE-CLEANING 3
4.0 PICKLING 3
5.0 PASSIVATION 4
6.0 VISUAL EXAMINATION 5
7.0 SAFETY 5
8.0 PRODUCT DATA SHEETS 5
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1.0 SCOPE:

This method statement covers procedures, recommendations and precautions to remove

weld discoloration, heat-treating scale, and iron contamination resulting from the
fabrication process of austenitic & duplex stainless steel. The method statement covers
pickling and passivation using proprietary pickling & passivation pastes/solutions by
brushing application.

2.0 PURPOSE:

1. To decontaminate, i.e. it shall eliminate any ferrous particles that may have been
deposited on plates and weld beads (due to cutting or forming, tools friction,
wire brushing, etc.).

2. To eliminate all pollutants (eg: Sulphides) on the surface of the metal part.

3. To develop a thin film of chromium oxide on the surface of plates and weld
beads, which enhance the corrosion resistance.

3.0 PRE-CLEANING:

For the treatment to be effective, all traces of organic contaminants, grease or oils shall
be removed. Therefore a pre-cleaning is compulsory before pickling and passivation.
Pre cleaning shall be done by applying synthetic detergent, brushing the surfaces and
cleaning the surfaces by jetting soft water. Synthetic detergent shall be free of chlorides
and sulphur compounds. Wire brushes using for cleaning shall be of stainless steel.
Water used shall have chloride content below 50 mg/l

4.0 PICKLING:

Pickling is the process of removal of heavy, tightly adherent oxide films resulting from
hot forming, Heat treatment, and welding and other high temperature operations.
Pickling also de-contaminates the ferrous and sulphide particles that may have
deposited on the surface of the materials. Descaling shall be carried out by Chemical
and Mechanical methods.

4.1 PROCEDURE:

1. Pickling shall be carried out by wetting the surface by swabbing.

2. Stir or shake the paste before use.
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3. The Surface shall be covered by pickling solution/paste using acid resisting

brush. Thickness of applying layer shall be as per the recommendation in the
technical data sheet.
4. Leave the paste to work 30 min to 4 hours.
5. Intermittent scrubbing with a stainless steel brush shall be carried out to
facilitate the removal of scale particle.
6. For black Spots around weld joints, Grinding/Sandering can be carried out to
remove completely.
7. Remove pickling residues by using a high-pressure water jet or with a stainless-
steel brush and then rinse with water.
o During pickling, temperature shall not be less than 10°C or more than 45°C.
o Grinding/Sandering wheels should not contain Iron, Iron oxide & zinc.)
o Grinding wheels, Sandering materials and wire brushes previously used on other
metals should not be used in StainlessSteel.

5.0 PASSIVATION:

Passivation is the process by which steel will spontaneously form a chemically inactive
surface/ protective passive film when exposed to air.

During Passivation, temperature shall not be less than 10°C or more than 45°C.

Material shall not be exposed to Passivation solution more than 30 minutes.

5.1 PROCEDURE:
1. Spray on the product using an acid-resistant pump. Apply an even layer of
acid that covers the whole surface.
2. Give the product 20-30 minutes to react.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, preferably using a high-pressure water jet.
Ensure that no acid Residues are left on the surface.
o During passivation, temperature shall not be less than 10°C or more than 45°C.
o Concentration of the passivation solution shall be as per recommendation in the
data sheet.
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6.0 VISUAL EXAMINATION:

After pickling and Passivation cleaned surface shall be visually examined. Cleaned
surface shall be free of welding flux, slag, paint and black spots, dirt & other
contamination. Visual examination shall be carried out under a lighting level of 1000lx.

7.0 SAFETY:

Cleaning operations often present numerous hazards to both personnel and facilities.
Manufacturers Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be consulted to determine the
hazards of handling specific chemicals. Precautions must be taken to protect personnel,
equipment, and facilities.
All these products being acid and certainly dangerous; the operators shall protect
themselves with mask, goggles, rubber gloves, apron and boots.

A suitable air supply and venting shall be maintained. Plenty of wash / running water &
running water hose shall be available prior to Start of the activity.

8.0 PRODUCT DATA SHEETS

Avesta Passivator 601 (Refer attachments)
Avesta Pickling Gel 122 (Refer attachments)