Pickling Surface Treatment Methods for Stainless Steel

There are generally two methods for pickling treatment: chemical and electrolytic. For stainless steel pipes, only chemical pickling is used for corrosion prevention. This method can remove oxide scale, rust, and old coatings. Sometimes it is used as a post-treatment after sandblasting. Although chemical cleaning can achieve a certain level of cleanliness and roughness, it produces shallow anchor patterns and may cause environmental pollution.

Sandblasting (Shot Blasting) Rust Removal

Sandblasting or shot blasting uses a high-powered motor to drive blades at high speeds, propelling abrasive materials like steel grit, steel shot, iron wire segments, and minerals onto the steel pipe surface through centrifugal force. This method thoroughly removes rust, oxides, and contaminants while achieving the desired uniform roughness through the abrasive impact and friction.

After sandblasting, the physical adsorption on the stainless steel pipe surface increases, enhancing the mechanical adhesion of the anti-corrosion layer to the pipe surface. Therefore, sandblasting is considered the ideal method for rust removal in pipe corrosion prevention. Typically, shot blasting is used for the inner surface of pipes, while sandblasting is used for the outer surface. Several considerations should be kept in mind when using sandblasting.