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System Cleanliness I |
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System Cleanliness II |
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System Cleanliness III |
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Safe Working Pressure Using ASME |
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Controlling Warranty Costs Through Customer Satisfaction |
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A106 Grade C Pipe |
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Article #1
SYSTEM CLEANLINESS Part 1
Copyright REDOX 2002
The concept of pickling pipe conjures up images of boiling vats of acid devouring scale and contamination. The reality is often the pipe is damaged in the pickling process in a way that makes it a source of galvanic cells. These cells generate rust as a by-product after the system has started operation. The flushing process may remove the contamination that is left behind in the pickling process but it does not remove the galvanic cells that are formed on the I.D. of the pipe.
Attention to standards must be used when cleaning with acid, otherwise the metal will be activated not passivated. The primary standard for protecting metal from the formation of galvanic cells as well as hydrogen embrittlement is Mil H 13528. An uncontrolled pickling process will activate the metal to more reactive state that will make it want to combine with trace air and water that is found in hydraulic oil. This water and air acts as an electrolyte that feed these cells. As they chemically extract the air or water in the oil, rust grows and protrudes into the oil stream. Subsequently they break off causing random failure of components.
Unfortunately, there is no reversal of this destructive process. The only recourse is to replace the defective pipe. By integrating standards into your system of procurement and installation you can not only avoid these destructive problems but deliver a superior operating system at a dramatically lower cost than your competition who is offering pickled pipe.
