Pickling Paste

PICKLING PASTE is a sophisticated, concentrated light blue thixothropic paste engineered to attack, penetrate and effectively remove mill scale, welding enamels, grinding remnants, iron contaminants and other lighter deposits coming from tanks, installations and articles made of austenitic stainless steel, nickel, nickel alloys and copper-nickel alloys, which need to be treated before passivation. Moreover, due to its unique thixothropic properties, PICKLING PASTE adheres to all surfaces positioned either vertically or horizontally thus ensuring the pickling treatment.

Characteristics, Advantages & Applications

Effectively removes foreign substances, surface contaminants and welding deposits from austenitic stainless steel, nickel, nickel alloys, and copper-nickel alloy surfaces, installations and components before the passivation process.
Dissolves completely traces of iron contaminants and all the oxide/hydroxides of iron, nickel and chrome, which have been formed during the welding process.
Does not contain chlorides in order to avoid pitting.
Can be used only on austenitic stainless steel, nickel, nickel alloys and copper-nickel alloys as it corrodes other metals.
Acts quickly and thoroughly whilst provides 100% successful results.
Non-flammable, non-conductive and non-toxic.
Water-soluble and no heating is required upon application.
Adheres to all surface areas, vertical or horizontal.
Can be combined with a specific range of other products.
No known effect on rubber and plastic compounds.
Cost effective, easy to apply and use.

Physical Properties

PICKLING PASTE is an adherent concentrated thixothropic paste, highly acidic, containing specific acid compounds, surface-active agents, special corrosion inhibitors and no chloride compounds.

Order No	Size (in kgs)	Container
Appearance / Color	Thick, light blue paste
Specific gravity	1.10-1.15/15°C
pH	1-2
Solubility	Appreciable
830534	5	Plastic drum

Application and Use

A. Dosing Procedure

PICKLING PASTE must be used undiluted in its natural state. The quantity needed is proportional to the degree of contamination, the treatment time, the surface area to cover, the number of the articles for treatment and the type/kind of the steel.

In any case, the quantity must be sufficient to cover the surface area in question and form a thin even coating over it. Thus, the operator must carefully select the quantity needed, after considering all of the above parameters and the chosen method of application.

B. Cleaning Procedure

Pretreatment: In order to ensure even pickling treatment, degreasing of small or large surface areas must be carried out using undiluted MARICHEM ALCACLEAN HD; this must be applied with a brush. After, rinse off with water and leave surface area to dry. Then, the application of PICKLING PASTE can begin.

Application: Before use PICKLING PASTE must be well mixed by shaking and/or stirring. PICKLING PASTE may be applied by conventional means, such as a hard and thick roll brush, a wide paintbrush, a thick wall broom etc.

After application, leave the paste to react with the surface at a temperature of 20°C (room temperature) as follows:

Austenitic stainless steel types: 15-60 minutes
Nickel and nickel alloys: 5-20 minutes
Copper-nickel alloys: 5-20 minutes

Note that if the temperature is 10°C below or above the room temperature, the pickling activity and thus the reaction time changes roughly by a factor of two (2). If the temperature of the pickling surface is above 40°C, PICKLING PASTE must not be applied until after it drops to room temperature.

Once the reaction time is completed, PICKLING PASTE must be rinsed off completely with a high-pressure water supply. Then, leave the surface to dry until the passivation process is initiated.

Important Information

PICKLING PASTE is considered a hazardous product. Operators must consult the Safety and Handling instructions table before use.

Safety and Handling

SAFETY	IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
HANDLING	Handle with care. Store in a dry, cool and well ventilated environment.
Eye Contact	Avoid Eye contact. Otherwise, flush with plenty of water for a few minutes. Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact	Avoid Skin contact. Otherwise, wash contaminated area thoroughly with water. Seek medical attention.
Inhalation	Avoid inhalation of vapors. Otherwise, seek fresh air source at once. Seek medical attention.
If Swallowed	Avoid ingestion. Otherwise, consume a considerable quantity of water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS	Avoid spillage, splashing and mishandling. Precautionary measures for body protection are strongly recommended before use.

Read the Material Safety Data Sheet before using this product.

For detailed information on safety and health, please refer to Material Safety Data Sheet and/or Product Label.