CA1088457A - Treating metallic article in molten oxidizing salt before immersion in electrolyte - Google Patents

Treating metallic article in molten oxidizing salt before immersion in electrolyte

Info

Publication number
CA1088457A
CA1088457A CA275,220A CA275220A CA1088457A CA 1088457 A CA1088457 A CA 1088457A CA 275220 A CA275220 A CA 275220A CA 1088457 A CA1088457 A CA 1088457A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
electrolyte
bath
salt
molten
group
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA275,220A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Donald R. Zaremski
Albert Krepler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ruthner Industrieanlagen AG
Allegheny Ludlum Corp
Original Assignee
Ruthner Industrieanlagen AG
Allegheny Ludlum Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US05/672,586 external-priority patent/US4026777A/en
Priority claimed from US05/767,177 external-priority patent/US4066521A/en
Application filed by Ruthner Industrieanlagen AG, Allegheny Ludlum Corp filed Critical Ruthner Industrieanlagen AG
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1088457A publication Critical patent/CA1088457A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25FPROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC REMOVAL OF MATERIALS FROM OBJECTS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25F1/00Electrolytic cleaning, degreasing, pickling or descaling
    • C25F1/02Pickling; Descaling
    • C25F1/04Pickling; Descaling in solution
    • C25F1/06Iron or steel
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23GCLEANING OR DE-GREASING OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY CHEMICAL METHODS OTHER THAN ELECTROLYSIS
    • C23G1/00Cleaning or pickling metallic material with solutions or molten salts
    • C23G1/28Cleaning or pickling metallic material with solutions or molten salts with molten salts

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Cleaning And De-Greasing Of Metallic Materials By Chemical Methods (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

METALLIC DESCALING SYSTEM

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A process for descaling a metallic body, wherein the body is immersed in a bath of a molten oxidizing salt, and subsequently in an electrolyte of an aqueous solution of at least one neutral salt from the group consisting of the chloride, sulfate and nitrate of an alkali metal or ammonium.

Description

The present invention relates to a metallic descalng process.

As anneals and other heat treatments are often carried out in oxidizing atmospheres, oxide scales are known to form on metallic surfaces.
To date, several methods of removing such scales are in commercial use.
These methods do, however, necessitate the use of hot mineral acid solutions. Typical methods are disclosed in United ~tates Patent Nos.
3, 043, 758 and 3, 260, 619.

Today it is becoming increasingly clear, that there is a need for a descaling process which requires little or no acid pic~ling. First of all, both the cost of using and of disposing of mineral acid~ has significantl~J
-~ increased. SecondlyJ with the continuing tightening of pollution laws, there is a distinct possibilit~ that the dumping of waste acid plcklina solutions ~0 will not be permitted at some time in the future. ~;hould this occur, metal producers would be forced to install ver~r costly acid regeneration or neutralization plants.

`'~

,, , . , ! , . . . . : . . ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ".' .. ' , . ' ' ' ' ''': , .' ' ' , .'' ,. . ", ~ . : ,' ' ' ' ,.',' ' ~' ~, ' " ' '' ,'' '.' ' '' , ,' `"",' ' ,, . ' .: ' ~ '' . . ' '' ' , :" ' ' ' ' " ' , ' ' ' :, .','' ,'' : :', ', ,, .' :. , . ' I The present invention provides a scale removal system which eliminates or minimizes the need for acid pickling. Appli-cants have found that such a desirable result could be achieved by immersing a scaled metallic body in a molten oxidizing salt and then in an electrolyte on the order of that disclosed in Patent No. 3,043,758. Such a process is contradictory to the teachings of Patent No. 3,043,758, as said patent does not hint at the use of a molten oxidizing salt; and to that of Patent No. 3,260,619, as said patent does not hint at the use of an electrolyte with 1~ .its moiten oxidizing salt.
It is accordingly an object of the present i:nvention to provide a metallic descaling process which eliminates or minimizes -the need for acid pickling.
The present invention provldes a process for descalincJ
metallic bodies. ~n its broadest sense, it comprises the steps of: immersing a metallic body in a bath of a molten oxidizi.ng : salt; and subsequently in an electrolyte of an aqueous solution of at least one neutral salt from the group consisting of the . . chloride, sulfate and nitrate of an alkali metal or ammonium.
Said bath conditions the scale for subsequent remo~al.

Of the said baths in use, the most widely accep-ted contain a compound from the group consisting of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate. ~hree typical salts are as follows:

: .
:
- 2 - ...
.~' .

~88~a57 A B C
62% NaOH 63~o ~aOH 62-89% NaOH
32%NaNO3 1~% KOH 11-38% NaNO3 6% NaC1 12% NaNO3 10% NaCl Immersion time in the molten salt is at least 2 seconds, and generally in excess of ~ seconds. Times are dependent upon the size of the ~netallic -body being descaled, as well as the type and thickness of the scale, and the temperature of the molten salt; and most significantly, upon the ~10 temperature of the metallic body. Metal at a temperatur~ of about 100F, .. ...
might require times approaching 30 ~econds, whereas metal at a higher temperature will require a shorter period e. g 5 seconds . F or purposes of the present invention, the term "heated body" refers to a metal article at a temperature of at least 100F. Unheated metal will generally require an immersion period of at least 30 seconds.

Subsequent to being immersed in the molten salt, the metal being treated is immersed in the electrolyte described hereinabove. Immersion time in the electrolyte is at least 4 seconds, and generall~ at least 10. As with the molten oxidizing salt, immersion times are dependent upon the size of the body being descaled, as well as the type and thickness of the scale, and the temperature of the electrolyte. With the electrolyte, times are also dependent upon the current density and upon the time the metal is anodic, Current densities are usually in excess of 0.1 amp per square inch.
Electrolyte temperatures are usually in the range of from 120 to 200~.
Current densities, temperatures and times are all, however, cLependent .

upon each other, as well as upon the other listed variables. To increase the effectiveness of the electrolyte, 0.1 to 50 grams per liter of a compound from the group consisting of fluorides, chlorides, perchlorates, chromates, nitrites, sulfites, nitrates and sulfates may be added.

Although the invention is believed to be adaptable to a number of metals, alloy steels presently appear to consitute the most significant embodiment thereof, For this reason, the following examples are directed to the removal of scale from stainless steel.

EXAMPLE I
Samples of mill annealed Type 304 ancl 309 stainless steel were exposed to scale conditioning in a molten oxidizing salt of the following chemistry:
62% NaOH 32% NaN03 6% NaCl and then, after rinsing, to a neutral sodium sulfate electrolyte, The solution concentration of sodium sulfate was between 15 and 20% by weight, The molten salt was maintained at a temperature of from 900 to 950F
whereas the electrolyte was maintained at a temperature of from lSO to 170F. Specifics as to metal gage, times, current densities and polarities are set forth hereinbelow in Table I, ' ~:

5~ ~
TABLE I
SALT XLECTROLYTE
Time of C urrent Ga~e Immersion Density Time of Immersion (seconds) Sample T~pe (inches) (seconds) (ame/sq.in~ Anode Cathode Anode A 304 0.030 60 1/2 9 9 9 B 304 0. 060 60 1/2 9 9 9 C 309 0. 018 60 1/2 18 1~3 18 D 304 0. 060 60 1/2 21 21 Zl E 304 0. 030 60 1/2 30 30 30 Samples removed from the electrolyte were cleaned and examined for residual scale at a magnification of 20~, The results of the examination appear hereinbelow in Table II. Also appearing in Table II are the results of a salt spray test. The samples were placed in a salt spray cabinet for seven days and subsequently examined for rust. Corrosion resistance of samples is somewhat impaired it' scale is not removed.

TABLE II
Salt Spray Sample Scale % l~/o Rust) B 0 0. 02 O O
D 0 0. 30 E 0 0, 05 ;~::

~ .

The results appearing hereinabo~e in Table TT clearly show that metallic surfaces can be effecti~ely descaled in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Scale was not detected on the samples at a magnification of 20X, Moreover, salt spray results showed an ;5 insignificant rate of attack, if any.

A~dditional samples of annealed Type 304 and 309 stainless steels, at a temperature of approximately 600F, were exposed to scale conditioning in a molten oxidizing salt of the following chemistry:
62% NaOH 3Z~o NaNO3 6% NaCl ancl then, after rinsing, to a neutral sodium sulfate electro]yte. The solution concentration of sodium sulfate was between 15 and 20% by wei~ht.
The molten salt was maintained at a temperature of from 900 to 950F
whereas the electrolyte was maintained at a temperature of from 150 to 170F.
Specifics a9 to metal gage, times, current densities and polarities are set forth hereinbelow in Table III, :
TABLE III
SALT_ ELECTROLYTE

Time of Current GageImmersion Density Time of Inlmersion (seconds) Type (inches) ~seconds) (amp/sq. in. ) Anode Cathode Anode 304 0~ 060 5 1/4 20 20 20 309 0. 060 5 1/2 20 20 20 ~?~l~4S7 The treated steel was inspected and evaluated. No residual scale was evident, despite the short period of time in the molten oxidizing salt.
- The short period of time was possible as the steel was at an elevated temperature upon entering the molten oxidizing salt.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the novel principles of the invention disclosed herein in connection with specific examples thereof will suggest various other modifications and applications ~ t~Q ~
t~ of the same. It is accordingly desired that in~construing~the breadth of the appended claims they shall not be li mited to the specific examples of the invention described herein.
' :
, ' .. .' ' ~ . . ';

Claims (5)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A process for descaling a metallic body, which comprises the steps of: immersing said body in a bath of a molten oxidizing salt; maintaining said bath at a temperature above its melting point during said immersion; removing said body from said bath after scale on said body has been conditioned for subsequent removal; subsequently immersing said body in an electrolyte of an aqueous solution of at least one neutral salt from the group consisting of the chloride, sulfate and nitrate of an alkali metal or ammonium; passing an electric current through said body and electrolyte for a period of as least seconds; and removing said body from said electrolyte.
2. A process according to claim 1, wherein said bath contains a compound from the group consisting of potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate.
3. A process according to claim 1, wherein said electro-lyte contains from 0.1 to 50 grams per liter of a compound from the group consisting of fluorides, chlorides, perchlorates, chromates, nitrites, sufites, nitrates and sulfates.
4. A process according to claim 1, wherein the neutral salt is sodium sulfate.
5. A process a.ccording to claim 1, wherein said metallic body is an alloy steel.
CA275,220A 1976-04-01 1977-03-31 Treating metallic article in molten oxidizing salt before immersion in electrolyte Expired CA1088457A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US672,586 1976-04-01
US05/672,586 US4026777A (en) 1976-04-01 1976-04-01 Metallic descaling system
US767,177 1977-02-09
US05/767,177 US4066521A (en) 1977-02-09 1977-02-09 Metallic descaling system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1088457A true CA1088457A (en) 1980-10-28

Family

ID=27100786

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA275,220A Expired CA1088457A (en) 1976-04-01 1977-03-31 Treating metallic article in molten oxidizing salt before immersion in electrolyte

Country Status (11)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS5939518B2 (en)
AU (1) AU505146B2 (en)
BR (1) BR7701895A (en)
CA (1) CA1088457A (en)
DE (1) DE2714136C3 (en)
ES (1) ES457467A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2346466A1 (en)
GB (1) GB1520705A (en)
IT (1) IT1082692B (en)
MX (1) MX147289A (en)
SE (1) SE433950B (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS59157288A (en) * 1983-02-25 1984-09-06 Nippon Stainless Steel Co Ltd Method for pickling stainless steel strip
JPS60121285A (en) * 1983-12-02 1985-06-28 Nisshin Steel Co Ltd Molten salt composition for pretreating stainless steel before pickling

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE438799A (en) * 1939-05-24
FR1226856A (en) * 1958-12-23 1960-08-16 Alloy steels pickling process
GB1082409A (en) * 1963-12-04 1967-09-06 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd An electrolytic descaling solution
GB1082410A (en) * 1963-12-26 1967-09-06 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd An electrolytic descaling method
US3260619A (en) * 1965-02-04 1966-07-12 Kolene Corp Methods and compositions for cleaning metal
DE1496785A1 (en) * 1966-12-10 1969-08-07 Dynamit Nobel Ag Process for removing metal powder and lower metal oxides from the surface of wire bundles pickled with sodium hydride
US3951681A (en) * 1973-11-01 1976-04-20 Kolene Corporation Method for descaling ferrous metals

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU505146B2 (en) 1979-11-08
GB1520705A (en) 1978-08-09
IT1082692B (en) 1985-05-21
BR7701895A (en) 1977-11-29
DE2714136A1 (en) 1977-10-20
FR2346466B1 (en) 1981-11-27
SE7703405L (en) 1977-10-02
ES457467A1 (en) 1978-08-16
JPS5939518B2 (en) 1984-09-25
DE2714136B2 (en) 1981-07-23
MX147289A (en) 1982-11-10
SE433950B (en) 1984-06-25
FR2346466A1 (en) 1977-10-28
JPS52129635A (en) 1977-10-31
DE2714136C3 (en) 1986-05-28
AU2352377A (en) 1978-09-28

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