Metallic Descaling System

The present invention relates to a metallic descaling process.

As anneals and other heat treatments are often carried out in oxidizing atmospheres, oxide scales are known to form on metallic surfaces. To date, several methods of removing such scales are in commercial use. These methods do, however, necessitate the use of hot mineral acid solutions. Typical methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,043,758 and 3,260,619.

Today it is becoming increasingly clear, that there is a need for a decaling process which requires little or no acid pickling. First of all, both the cost of using and of disposing of mineral acids has significantly increased. Secondly, with the continuing tightening of pollution laws, there is a distinct possibility that the dumping of waste acid pickling solutions will not be permitted at some time in the future. Should this occur, metal producers would be forced to install very costly acid regeneration or neutralization plants.

The present invention provides a scale removal system which eliminates or minimizes the need for acid pickling. Applicants have found that such a desirable result could be achieved by immersing a scaled metallic body in a molten oxidizing salt and then in an electrolyte on the order of that disclosed in Pat. No. 3,043,758. Such a process is contradictory to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 3,043,758, as said patent does not hint upon the use of a molten oxidizing salt; and to that of U.S. Pat. No. 3,260,619, as said patent does not hint upon the use of an electrolyte with its molten oxidizing salt.

In an application filed on Apr. 1, 1976, Ser. No. 672,586, now U.S. pat. No. 4,026,777, Applicants disclosed a process somewhat similar to that of the present invention. A process which differs herefrom in that it calls for immersion in a molten oxidizing salt for a period of at least 30 seconds. Through the present invention, we have reduced said time to a period of less than 30 seconds, by providing a heated metallic body.

It is accordinly an object of the present invention to provide a shortened metallic descaling process which eliminates or minimizes the need for acid pickling.

The present invention provides a process for descaling metallic bodies. In its broadest sense, it comprises the steps of: immersing a heated metallic body in a bath of a molten oxidizing salt; and subsequently in an electrolyte of an aqueous solution of at least one neutral salt from the group consisting of the chloride, sulfate and nitrate of an alkali metal or ammonium.

The molten oxidizing salt conditions the scale for subsequent removal. Of the molten oxidizing salts is use, the most widely accepted contain a compound from the group consisting of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate. Three typical salts are as follows:

Immersion time in the molten salt is more than 2 and less than 30 seconds, and generally in excess of 4 seconds. Times are dependent upon the size of the metallic body being descaled, as well as the type and thickness of the scale, and the temperature of the molten salt; and most significantly, upon the temperature of the metallic body. Metal at a temperature of about 100.degree. F, might require times approaching 30 seconds, whereas metal at a higher temperature will require a shorter period; e.g., 5 seconds. For purposes of the present invention, the term "heated body" as used herein refers to a metal article at a temperature of at least 100.degree. F.

Subsequent to being immersed in the molten salt, the metal being treated is immersed in the electrolyte described hereinabove. Immersion time in the electrolyte is at least 4 seconds, and generally at least 10. As with the molten oxidizing salt, immersion times are dependent upon the size of the body being descaled, as well as the type and thickness of the scale, and the temperature of the electrolyte. With the electrolyte, times are also dependent upon the current density and upon the time the metal is anodic. Current densities are usually in excess of 0.1 amp per square inch. Electrolyte temperatures are usually in the range of from 120.degree. to 200.degree. F. Current densities, temperatures and times are all, however, dependent upon each other, as well as upon the other listed variables. To increase the effectiveness of the electrolyte, 0.1 to 50 grams per liter of a compound from the group consisting of fluorides, chlorides, perchlorates, chromates, nitrites, sulfites, nitrates and sulfates may be added.

Although the invention is believed to be adaptable to a number of metals, alloy steels presently appear to constitute the most significant embodiment thereof. For this reason, the following examples are directed to the removal of scale from stainless steel.

Annealed Type 304 and 309 stainless steels at a temperature of approximately 600.degree. F were exposed to scale conditioning in a molten oxidizing salt of the following chemistry:

and then, after rinsing, to a neutral sodium sulfate electrolyte. The solution concentration of sodium sulfate was between 15 and 20% by weight. The molten salt was maintained at a temperature of from 900.degree. to 950.degree. F whereas the electrolyte was maintained at a temperature of from 150.degree. to 170.degree. F. Specifics as to metal gage, times, current densities and polarities are set forth hereinbelow in Table I

The treated steel was inspected and evaluated. No residual scale was evident, despite the short period of time in the molten oxidizing salt.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the novel principles of the invention disclosed herein in connection with specific examples thereof will suggest various other modifications and applications of the same. It is accordingly desired that in construing the breadth of the appended claims they shall not be limited to the specific examples of the invention described herein.