I work at a company that handles large quanties of salt. We are unable to go a long period of time with one machine because the salt rust everything that is metal (steel). Is there a chemical that can be sprayed to prevent the rust or one that can be used to clean the salt regualrly? Any suggestions?
2007-02-27 12:57:23 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The best bet is always to coat the steel in a thin layer of oil before using the equipment. Because salt is not soluble in oils, the salt will not be able to come in contact with the steel and so it shouldn't rust. Obviously, you would have to apply the oils regularly, but it would save your machinery somewhat.
There are several oils that are designed for keeping salt off of metals, however, any type of mineral oil will work.
2007-02-27 13:13:49 · answer #1 · answered by Tyler H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you using chromed or stainless steel? or simple mild carbon steel? Carbon steel will corrode almost instantly in the presence of salt. Is this a food grade application?
Is the metal painted? There are corrosion inhibiting paints. Usually loaded with some type of zinc, chromate, strontium or other inhibiting pigments. If anti corrosive paint is not feasible, then perhaps a high film build plastisol or PVC coating.
Salt is extremely corrosive. And in this case it sound like it may be abrasive as well. The salt will get to the substrate in the long run. You just have to count on that and try to get the longest life out of a given piece of machinery. Build your production and business plan around a sertain amount of maintenance and replacement costs.
good luck.
2007-02-27 16:17:47 · answer #2 · answered by jason s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋