What is the new spray pickling technique? Can it be a real revolution in pickling and passivation treatment?

Spray pickling is a brand-new metal finishing technique that allows the process to be performed faster, more economically, more efficiently, and more sustainably. This small revolution was made possible by extensive research aimed at improving one of BAMA's main processes. This has enabled us to offer a better service, a win-win solution where all parties involved are satisfied.

But what does this process involve? Why is it, in some cases, better than the methods used so far? Can it replace previous methods? What is needed to perform it?

Today, we will try to answer these questions by explaining the procedure in detail and assessing the pros and cons compared to traditional methods, so as to objectively evaluate the best alternative.

What does pickling mean?

A standard pickling treatment involves deeply cleaning the object: in this way, oxides and residues from previous processes are dissolved. These are precisely the culprits of early corrosion, as they corrupt the passive layer of the alloy.

These residues mostly come from previous welding processes, mechanical work such as cutting and bending, but even simple contact with surfaces already contaminated by iron oxide is enough to "infect" clean surfaces. This is why pickling is so important for the lifespan of the object.

How traditional pickling is performed

Until recently, techniques for performing pickling were practically universal. The main procedure, still the most widely used, involves immersing the object in a large tank containing a pickling solution mainly composed of acids.

When the acid comes into contact with the surface, it triggers a chemical reaction that "dissolves" the harmful oxides resulting from the construction processes of the object, rendering the metal surface completely clean and decontaminated.

In the case of very large objects that cannot be contained in a tank, or those with particularly complex shapes where immersion would not reach all points, manual pickling can also be performed using a specific gel product, "BAMA GEL STEEL STRONG".

Here at Bama Technologies, since our founding in 1976, our main goal has always been not only service quality but also constant innovation. For this reason, we continually invest in both human and material resources, as well as in research, to achieve consistent growth results.

One of our core processes was pickling and passivation. By this, we mean a metalworking process that involves a very deep cleaning of an object. In fact, the most superficial layer, which is the most vulnerable, is removed. Why?

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The new method

But, as we mentioned, here at the company, we have introduced a new method that proves better in many aspects. What does it involve?

Instead of proceeding with immersion, the opposite principle is used, performing spray pickling.

The treatment was defined for the first time as spray pickling and passivation. This technique cannot be used on all objects but works well on most of them.

The main advantage of this technique is the reduction in the volume of pickling liquid used and the possibility of using smaller amounts of pickling gels, which are more environmentally impactful and have significantly longer reaction times.

Moreover, it avoids manual application by the operator, thus avoiding all the risks associated with using these substances.

Another very important environmental aspect is avoiding the dragging of acid into the washing area during the removal of parts from the treatment tanks, thus improving the performance of the water treatment plant.

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Here at Bama Technologies, since our foundation in 1976, we have always set as our main objective not only the quality of service, but also constant innovation. For this reason we constantly invest in resources, both human and material, and in research, to achieve results of constant growth.

One of our main goals was the pickling and passivation process. By this term we mean a metal working process that consists of a very deep cleaning of an object. In fact, the most superficial layer, which is the most vulnerable, is removed. Why?

What is the purpose of pickling?

This phase is crucial in the finishing and protection of items made from metal alloys such as carbon steel, stainless steel, high nickel alloys, copper alloys, and titanium. Without this treatment, followed by passivation, there would be a risk of corrosion phenomena due to unfavorable environments, whether the items are placed outdoors or indoors.

This applies to both common-use objects and industrial products such as reactors, tanks, metal structures, and large constructions like bridges, buildings, and other types of structures. We are surrounded by such objects every day and hardly notice them, yet it is only thanks to these treatments that their lifespan can be extended.

What happens after the shower

When the spraying is finished, the process is not yet complete: a thorough washing is performed, partially recovering the first wash water. Thus, there are two fundamental environmental aspects: water savings and a significant reduction of pollutants in the wash water, which are then sent to our water treatment plant.

In a second phase, and thus with the second wash, network water is used to ensure the final wash quality, and subsequently, osmotized water is used as the final finish.

Where it takes place

Unlike immersion treatment, spray pickling requires a special containment cabin. Bama has thus developed a medium-sized prototype already operational in production, and a mega-cabin for treating all transportable items on wheels is planned for next year.

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