Pickling Line
Pickling Inhibitors
Pickling Inhibitors play a key role in the Pickling Line helping to prevent over-pickling, especially during prolonged shutdowns, that causes high acid consumption, weight loss and deterioration of the material’s surface appearance.
Nearly all pickling inhibitors available on the market are based on Formaldehyde releasers (e.g. Methenamine). These substances are not harmful as such, but when injected in the pickle liquor generate Formaldehyde, a carcinogenic substance that is released into the environment and production areas.
Hidden Risks
Production and HSE departments are most of the times not aware of this risk because the MSDS describe the product HSE characteristics as such, in its original container. There is no mention to the risks associated with specific applications.
Nevertheless it is quite simple to confirm that Formaldehyde is being released by analysing the emissions at the chimney and rinse water to the WWTP.
Other Harmful Substances
Besides Formaldehyde releasers, other extremely harmful substances are commonly used to formulate Pickling Inhibitors:
| Substance | Risk | Hazard Identification |
|---|---|---|
| O‑Toluidine | Carcinogenic |  |
| Thiourea | Carcinogenic |  |
| 2‑Butin‑1,4‑diol | Very Toxic |  |
| Propargyl Alcohol | Very Toxic |  |
Pickling Inhibitors Benefits
In line with its mission, Kimya has developed formulations free of toxic and carcinogenic substances that guarantee excellent over-pickling protection, low acid consumption and great performance in terms of surface quality and copper plating prevention.
The benefits of Kimya technology include:
RINSE AIDS are used in the rinse section of the Pickle line to prevent flash rust, stop marks and surface discoloration especially during line stoppages and slow runs.
Rinse Aids: the next frontier
Going beyond standard performance requirements, Kimya has developed a line of RINSE AIDS specifically designed to reduce up to 50% the flow rate of RO water used in the rinse section of the Pickle Line. This delivers major cost savings, environmental benefits and a positive impact on Company social profile.
Kimya RINSE AIDS formulations have favourable toxicological profile (non-ADR, non-toxic) and better performance compared to traditional products available on the market, i.e. dosing rate can be reduced by more than 50%.
