2007-05-14 05:25:04 · 5 answers · asked by Skepticat 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It's a surface treatment that removes impurities. The metal is immersed in a strong mineral acid called pickle liquor in order to remove stains and oxide (rust or other corrosion) scales from the exterior of the metal prior to subsequent processing, such as extrusion or plating. Metal pickling results in large amounts of acidic waste products that can serious environmental effects if disposed of carelessly.
2007-05-14 05:28:33 · answer #1 · answered by DavidK93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you pickle steel?
During the production of the steel coil, the hot rolling process leaves a tight iron oxide scale on the surface of the steel strip. This scale is very brittle and flakes off the steel during forming and stamping. In addition, the scale will pop off the steel surface during heating and cooling if it has been painted over. Therefore, we uncoil the steel, pulling it through a bath of hot hydrochloric acid, and chemically remove the scale. After removing the scale, the steel is washed , dried, and oiled to protect it from rust damage.
2007-05-14 05:28:54 · answer #2 · answered by dwmatty19 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The steel is run through a series of acid tanks to remove rust and other impurities.
2007-05-14 05:31:36 · answer #3 · answered by Grant d 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treating the surface to reduce corrosion.
2007-05-14 05:40:51 · answer #4 · answered by ag_iitkgp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It removes surface junk -- see for example
http://www.vossindustries.com/faq.htm
2007-05-14 05:29:10 · answer #5 · answered by davec996 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋