Stainless Steel – What to Make in Case of Contamination?

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contamination

The corrosion resistance of stainless steel can be affected by steel contamination. This is the consequence of operations of cutting, grinding and welding of carbon steel which flow of the particles.


Steel contamination. What happens?

The presence of contamination on the metal surface creates:

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  • An aesthetic defect
  • Localized corrosion (called “pitting“), even just in case of contact with air.  May affect the right condition of inertia (long-term).

 

The iron particles which are deposited on the surface of stainless steel will oxidize very quickly and forming rust. This can also take place only with the presence of atmospheric moisture. What will it bring? Anunaesthetic staining of the surface that in some cases can developed apitting phenomenon. (hindering like this natural phenomenon passivation of stainless steel)

A practical example? The welding splashes of carbon steel components .

And now? How do you have to work the stainless steel?

How to work the carbon and stainless steel?

Here some useful advices:

  • Carry out the machining of the two steels in two distinct and separate areas
  • Use manual tools (example: brushes etc.) and equipment (example: presses etc.) not containing carbon steel
  • Clean the hand tools and the machines before moving to stainless steel
  • The cutting, welding or blasting should not be made with elements that contain carbon steel (example: abrasive discs, electrodes, shot, etc.)
  • During storage and handling of stainless steel avoid any contact with carbon steel tools. (example:forklift truck, chains, shelves, etc.)
No steel contamination. What to do?

There are specific tests in order to verify the contamination occurred.

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But how to decontaminate the stainless steel? By a treatment with specific passivating pastes based on phosphoric or nitric acid. To remove all traces of acid solution and dissolved contaminants, it will be necessary to rinse the steel with deionized water. Then dry the clean side. To avoid the effect “patchy”, it is recommended to treat the entire surface of stainless steel.

These products can also be used:

  • In case of oxidation due to high exposure to corrosive agents. (example: saltiness)
  • In cases of contamination by non-steel metals. (example: aluminum, copper, lead etc.)

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