Pickling inhibitors are used in the Pickle line to prevent over-pickling, especially during prolonged shutdowns, that causes high acid consumption, loss of valuable material and black carbon smut on the steel surface.

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.

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.

Besides Formaldehyde releasers, other extremely harmful substances are commonly used to formulate Pickling Inhibitors:

• O-Toluidine
• Thiourea
• 2-Butyne-1,4-diol
• Propargyl alcohol

 

In line with its mission, Kimya has developed formulations free of toxic and carcinogenic substances that guarantee excellent corrosion protection, low acid consumption and great performance in terms of surface quality and copper plating prevention.

The benefits of Kimya technology include:

• Product safety during operations, handling and disposal
• Environmentally-friendly formulations
• Excellent surface quality and minimum loss of weight
• Proven technology: already used by several Clients around the world
• Custom-made formulation for a wide range of steel grades and pickle liquor chemistry