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Electropolishing – Busselton Jetty

The Busselton jetty is a shining example of our electropolishing work.

Electropolishing is a process offered by International Corrosion Services that streamlines the microscopic surface of a metal object.

Metal is removed from the object’s surface through a process that is similar, but the the reverse, of electroplating. Metal peaks and high points of the treated surface are shedded.

International Corrosion Services has Western Australia’s largest electropolish bath for the treatment of stainless steel, able to treat pieces of steel up to 6.5m long, 1.5m deep and 1.3m wide.

Our electropolish bath is also the only facility in Western Australia to offer the large-scale service to meet the pre-treatment standard of ASTM Standard B912 and the pickle and passivation standard of ASTM A380.

We exclusively treat stainless steel, so there is no risk of cross-contamination. Our facility is also equipped with soft slings to prevent scratches or damage to steel during movement.

Some of the proven benefits of electropolishing include:

  • Better physical appearance
  • Enhanced mechanical properties
  • Better corrosion resistance
  • Provides a clean, smooth surface that’s easier to sterilise
  • Able to polish areas that are inaccessible by other polishing methods

Click here to find out more about our Electropolishing services and contact us today for treatment.

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The Safety and Environmental Impact of Stainless Steel Treatments Explained


At International Corrosion Services we take our commitment to the safety of our staff and community and preserving the environment and reducing our emissions footprint very seriously. It’s not easy working with the dangerous chemicals that are needed for the treatment of stainless steel and we take every precaution we can that we work within and above our Health, Safety & Environmental Policy as well as our statutory commitments to people and the environment.

Stainless Steel Treatments

Our core business of treating stainless steel involves cleaning, electropolishing, pickling, and passivation. All of these processes use acids and alkali’s which most of us can appreciate can be very dangerous to people and the environment if not handled with the due respect they deserve. The treatment chemicals assist in executing ICS’s core business which is the corrosion prevention or treatment of stainless steel. If left untreated corrosion to stainless steel can itself pose a serious threat to people and the environment? ICS’s treatment process of electro-polishing prevents corrosion in several ways as does cleaning and pickling and passivation. Stainless steel is well known for its corrosion resistance but can still corrode if not treated post fabrication but before installation and as part of ongoing maintenance when in-situ. ICS can help its customers with all of these treatment options.

Our Commitment to Safety

There is nothing more important to us here at ICS than the safety of our customers, employees and the environment, which is why ICS management and staff are strongly committed and focused to our no harm and no incident Health and Safety Policy. Additionally, ICS shows its commitment with its regulatory compliance to the Environmental Protection Agency for its Air Emissions, Dangerous Goods Licences through the Department of Mines, Water Disposal Permit in compliance with the Water Corporation. Over and above this ICS constantly go over and above its safety commitment to its staff by completing regular workshop air emissions testing, and Western Australia’s largest pickling bath air extraction fume hood. All of our employees are committed to these priorities and management is empowered to provide team members with all of the information and tools they need to effectively implement all of our safety policy and procedures.

If you have any questions regarding the safety of our services for your facility, we will gladly answer them for you. We want you to have the confidence in knowing that you made the right choice in working with us for all your stainless steel treatment needs. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

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Onsite Stainless Steel Cleaning That Won’t Take You To The Cleaners


International Corrosion Services, Travis Hayto, Garth Haseldine PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The pre-commissioning stage shouldn’t be the only time your stainless steel system or installation sees a good cleaning, pickling, and/or passivation, although it may be the most important time. Doing this periodically after it’s been put to work and removing process contaminants, will help to maintain the life and integrity of the stainless steel. It can be a daunting process, especially with a large stainless steel cleaning project. Let International Corrosion Services, or ICS, do that work for you.

What is Pickling?

In the context of stainless steel – the chemical treatment used to remove the damaged layers of stainless steel or contaminants such as the heat effected zone and iron restoring the chromium oxide layer which gives stainless it self healing and protection properties.

Chromium depletion occurs where the steel was heated – through welding, for example, which affects the steel surface’s ability to form a chromium oxide layer, making the steel less resistant to corrosion. In order to restore corrosion resistance, this damaged layer needs to be removed. Removing it mechanically may result in abrasive particles embedding in the steel, which would be counterproductive, as this will interfere with the corrosion resistance itself.

The pickling solution usually consist of a hydrofluoric acid mixture, although there are other mixtures for specialised purposes. After pickling, the metal looks duller.

What is Passivation?

Passivation occurs when a protective, “passive” film – chromium oxide – forms on the surface of steel that will protect against corrosion. It happens naturally, however sometimes you want it to form rapidly. Nitric acid solutions or Avesta Finsh One 630 are applied to help this along.

Passivation doesn’t dull the surface of the steel like pickling, but it is important to apply Avesta FinishOne 630 after pickling to remove free iron contamination, so often you will pickle and then passivate.

Neither pickling nor passivation removes grease or oil, so the fabrication should be cleaned with detergent or an alkaline clean beforehand.

For more detailed information about pickling and passivation, check out the Australia Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) article. ASSDA also recommends reading the ASTM A380 Standard Practice for Cleaning, Descaling and Passivation of Stainless Steel Parts, Equipment and Systems and offers a number of publications for sale.

Why Not Let ICS Do The Dirty Work For You?

Both processes utilise acids that are dangerous to operators and the environment, so they must be handled properly, pursuant to safety precautions outlined in Materials Safety Data Sheets. After pickling and passivation, you must also neutralise the acids by using an alkali and then thoroughly rinse the components. That’s a lot of hassle. Also in Western Australia, the State Government requires any user of Hydroflouric Pickling paste to hold a Poisons Permit.

ICS uses the most effective acid mixtures for its processes and owns the best – and largest – state-of-the-art stainless steel pickling and passivation bath in the country.

Read more about the amazing ICS pickling bath.

Remarkably, ICS also offers an onsite cleaning, pickling, and passivation service if it is unfeasible or impossible to move components off the premises. This service includes:

  • Identifying the type of treatment required and develop a scope of works;
  • Developing site-specific treatment operating procedures in compliance with the standards;
  • Developing and implementing health and safety procedures (risk assessments included);
  • Bundling and waste capture process for collection and offsite disposal;
  • Quality control (sometimes using the Forroxyl test as a means of ensuring the stainless steel is free from iron contamination; and
  • Issuing a certificate of completion and conformity.

Read more about ICS onsite services.

What this means is that you can forego the headaches because you can rest assured that your stainless steel equipment is getting the very best cleaning and treatment, and will last longer as a result. Let the experts come to you. Contact us for more information.

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International Corrosion Services’ Expertise

International Corrosion Services are the world’s leader in the treatment of stainless steel. Operating since 2010, we have over 100 years’ worth of combined experience across our team of experts. We’re proud to offer expertise on electropolishing, descaling, pickling and passivation treatments and supplementary chemical products and services.

We work to all current and applicable standards in the treatment of stainless steel, including:

  • AS 1627
  • ASTM A380
  • ASTM A967
  • ASTM B912

We have extensive onsite services, including Western Australia’s largest Electropolish bath. Our plant also includes:

  • New 5000amp state of the art German manufactured rectifier
  • Mixer for agitation of the fluid
  • Temperature sensor
  • Electrical heaters
  • Electrical control panel and control units
  • Bath cover/lid (manual handling)
  • Fumes exhaust system
  • Waste Disposal and recycling system
  • 10 tonne and 5 tonne overhead cranes

Below is a timeline of some of our major projects, showcasing our work and successes. Our wide range of treatment products and services can fit any project or need. Consult one of our specialists today to see how we can help you.

Electropolish Fire Fighting Equipment – Project Ongoing

ICS have been contracted by Frontline Fire and Rescue, who are the designers and manufacturers of Fire Appliances, Rescue Vehicles, Specialised Vehicles and purpose built trailers and equipment.

Our current, ongoing project with Frontline Fire and Rescue is to pickle and passivate stainless steel as per the following standards:

  • ASTM A380
  • ASTM A967

Once completed, the stainless steel is Electropolished to meet standard ASTM B912.

While most of our clients only opt to pickle and passivate their pipe stools, Frontline Fire and Rescue equipment looks fantastic polished, completing their equipment.

ICS were contracted to complete a high polish on the handrail sections on the Geraldton foreshore, 400km north of Perth.

The stainless steel was pickled and passivated to meet standards ASTM A380 and ASTM A967. Upon completion, the stainless steel was Electropolished to standard ASTM B912.

ICS were contracted by Civmec Construction to treat their stainless steel spool for their Oil & Gas Process Plant. Made via a confined space entry, the stainless steel fabrication required internal spray pickle and passivation.

The treatment of all internal stainless steel surfaces adhered to the following standards:

  • ASTM A380
  • ASTM A967

Offshore Angola Africa – Completed 2015


ICS were contracted for the treatment of subsea stainless steel Motion Record unit assemblies for an Floating Storage & Production Offtake (FPSO). The service vessel, based in offshore Angola, required treatment using pickling paste, cleaner, passivator and mechanical abrasion to remove corrosion on the subsea canisters.

Treatment met standards as per ASTM A967.

Kemmerton – Completed 2014


ICS were contracted by Tenix Australia to treat their stainless steel Waste Water Treatment Plant. Located in Kemmerton, W.A., the stainless steel fabrication required cleaning. The structure was fully encapsulated with scaffold and tarps.

Exchange Plaza Signage – Completed 2014


On site in Perth City, ICS were contracted by the Exchange Plaza to clean the stainless steel signage, which was both dirty and corrosion tea stained.

Cleaning of the stainless steel signage surface as per standard ASTM A967.

PTTEP Oil Rig – Completed 2014

ICS were contracted by PTTEP Australia to inspect and treat the Floating Storage & Production Offtake (FPSO), as the stainless steel was showing early signs of corrosion.

Works were undertaken offshore on the FPSO, and completed to the following standards:

  • ASTM A380
  • ASTM A967

CB&I Project – Completed 2012

ICS were contracted to CB&I Constructors for the treatment of a 20m diameter, 15m high stainless steel tank.

The project, including New Build Tank Internal and External Pickle and Passivation, was completed on-site and met the following standards:

  • ASTM A380
  • ASTM A967

TGF 999 Pty Ltd – Completed 2010

ICS were contracted by TGF 999 to treat two 10m diameter, 12m high stainless steel tanks. The work was completed on-site at the Blue Tongue Brewery in NSW, and included New Build Tank External Pickle and Passivation of stainless steel, meeting the following standards:

  • ASTM A380
  • ASTM A967

Consult one of our specialists today to see how we can help you.

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Onsite Service and Maintenance

Our Onsite Services

In addition to our own facilities, International Corrosion Services also offer direct onsite services for our clients. This service allows us to treat stainless steel pieces, process plants or equipment which may be too large or immobile to transport for treatment.

Our onsite team is highly experienced with specialised onsite expertise, including:

  • Identifying the type of treatment required for your project
  • Developing a scope of works
  • Developing a site-specific treatment operating procedures, in compliance with industry standards
  • Developing and implementing health and safety procedures, including risk assessments
  • Bunding and waste capture process, for collection and offsite disposal
  • Quality control of treatment, incorporating the use of the Forroxyl test a means of ensuring the stainless steel is free from iron contamination

A certificate of completion and conformity will be issued at the conclusion of the project.

Our most regular onsite services are:

  • Full pickle and passivation
  • Cleaning
  • Both treatments to stainless steel

All our standard operating procedures are compliant with the following industry standards:

  • ASTM A380, A967
  • AS 1627.1, AS 1627.5

Pickle and Passivation

The pickle and passivation of stainless steel should be performed for post weld treatment. This treatment ensures stainless steel is clean from contaminants.

While pickling and passivation gives your stainless steel its best chance of resisting corrosion, it will not remove scratches or abrasion from the surface. Our acceptance criteria is no heat tint on the welds (black burns which can’t be removed, paint pens and markings accepted), no grease, grime or dirt, with a nice clean visual appearance. Stainless steel is at its optimum corrosion resistance when it is kept clean, allowing it to self passivate.

Self passivating is a thin layer of chromium oxide, generating itself due to the metal composition of the stainless steel. This extremely thin layer (commonly called a passive layer) gives stainless steel its corrosion resistant properties. After welding, these self passivating properties are destroyed, leaving stainless steel vulnerable to corrosion if left untreated.

Our pickle and passivation process is in full compliance with:

  • ASTM A380
  • ASTM A967
  • AS1627.1, 1627.5

Offshore Maintenance

Our onsite services and expertise includes offshore maintenance, including oil and gas platforms and other offshore facilities.

Allowing maintenance to lapse on your offshore facilities can lead to corrosion, compromising its structural integrity.

The most common signs of corrosion are pitting and crevice corrosion.

Pitting is a form of corrosion which is often readily visible to the naked eye, and is a symptom of the chromium-rich passive oxide film on tubing breaking down due to exposure in a chloride-rich environment. A higher chloride concentration or increased temperature is more likely to result in the passive film breaking down.

Pitting is not only unsightly, it can eventually cause a situation where tubing could fail. Without the passive film intact to protect the steel, pitting and perforation can occur.

While pitting will initially form in the shape of shallow pits, continued lack of proper maintenance will see the corrosion develop to deep and even connected pits.

Crevice corrosion can be extremely difficult to avoid in tubing. Tight crevices are the biggest risk to steel, with corrosion causing the oxygen concentration in the fluid within to drop.

This lower oxygen concentration increases the likelihood of the passive surface oxide film breaking down, resulting in a shallow pit, which can be disastrous for stainless steel.

 

Ongoing Maintenance

To extend the design life time of your stainless steel structures, maintenance program procedures and inspection periods are critical.

Inspections prevent excessive corrosion, primarily in offshore and coastal environments, including ensuring water drainage systems are working correctly. If stainless steel is found to be exposed to the elements, particularly coastal or chemicals (such as chlorine), the steel is at risk of corrosion.

Our corrosion maintenance, including cleaning and coating treatments, ensure your stainless steel keeps its structure life, integrity and aesthetic lustre for as long as possible.

To find out more about our Onsite Services or to book a job in, please call our office on (08) 9497 3500 or visit our Contact page here.

 

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To pickle or not to pickle?

The difference between pickling and not pickling your stainless steel

Our pickling and passivation bath is the largest and best of its kind in Australia. Our bath and process system ensure that all stainless steel is pickled and passivated in full compliance to the following standards:

  • ASTM A380
  • ASTM A967
  • AS 1627.1
  • AS 1627.5

Our premises have all the regulatory licenses and permits, enabling us to use hydrofluoric and nitric acid suitable for most commercial grades of stainless steel.

There is no doubt from the research and our vast experience that the best method to descale and remove heat affected zones including heat tint is an effective concentration of hydrofluoric acid. Many companies purport that their propriety mixes are just as effective but we have found that this is not the case. International Corrosion Services’ unique system relies on nitric or a similar oxidizer that is then used to passivate the stainless steel and reform the chromium oxide layer.

Pickled and Not Pickled

Stainless steel has an extremely thin chromium oxide layer, commonly called a ‘passive layer’. While this layer gives stainless steel the corrosion resistance it’s known for, after welding, the self-passivating features of stainless steel are destroyed. The damaged areas caused by welding, known as the heat affected zone, leave the stainless steel unable to reform the chromium oxide layer. This effect leaves your stainless steel susceptible to corrosion if left untreated.

Pickling using hydrofluoric acid removes this damaged layer of stainless steel post-welding. A fresh layer of untainted steel, allowing it to reform the chromium oxide layer and preventing corrosion.

Our pickle and passivation process ensures welds post-fabrication are treated both inside and out, restoring the stainless steel and allowing it to passivate. The treatment also cleans the surface of all oils, greases, dust and dirt, giving your stainless steel its best chance of withstanding corrosion.
Not treating your stainless steel can result in the corrosion as seen in these photos, showing just some of the damage that can be caused by not treating to standards ASTM A380 and A967:

Here is the result of stainless steel we treated using pickle and passivation, 18 months after completion:

To prevent problems and protect your stainless steel, contact us today to find out more about our pickle and passivation services.

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Offshore Environment Maintenance

Stainless steel is a common element of oil and gas platforms and other offshore facilities. While stainless steel is used a number of ways for offshore facilities – including hydraulic lines and over a wide range of temperatures – improper maintenance can lead to corrosion, compromising its structural integrity.

The most common signs of corrosion are pitting and crevice corrosion.

Pitting Corrosion

Pitting is a form of corrosion which is often readily visible to the naked eye, and is a symptom of the chromium-rich passive oxide film on tubing breaking down due to exposure in a chloride-rich environment. A higher chloride concentration or increased temperature is more likely to result in the passive film breaking down.

Pitting is not only unsightly, it can eventually cause a situation where tubing could fail. Without the passive film intact to protect the steel, pitting and perforation can occur.

While pitting will initially form in the shape of shallow pits, continued lack of proper maintenance will see the corrosion develop to deep and even connected pits.

Crevice Corrosion

Crevice corrosion can be extremely difficult to avoid in tubing. Tight crevices are the biggest risk to steel, with corrosion causing the oxygen concentration in the fluid within to drop.

This lower oxygen concentration increases the likelihood of the passive surface oxide film breaking down, resulting in a shallow pit.

The results can be disastrous for stainless steel:

“Iron goes into solution in the more anodic bottom of a pit, diffuses toward the top, and oxidizes to iron oxide (rust).
Unlike in pitting corrosion, formation of a pit on tubing surrounded by a crevice leads to an increase of the Fe++ concentration in the fluid contained in the gap. Because of the strong interaction of the Fe++ ions with the OH ions, the pH value drops. Chloride ions also will diffuse into the gap, being attracted by the Fe++ ions. The result is an acidic ferric chloride solution that can accelerate corrosion of tubing within the crevice.”

Offshore Expertise

ICS are no strangers to treating stainless steel offshore facilities – two of our recent successful projects were offshore!

In both cases, the stainless steel facilities were showing early signs of corrosion.

Offshore Luanda Angola

In late 2015, our team attended the subsea stainless steel Motion Record unit assemblies for a Floating Storage & Production Offtake (FPSO), based offshore Angola.

The treatment carried out used pickling paste, cleaner and passivator as well as mechanical abrasion to remove corrosion on the subsea canisters.

The work was carried out as per standard ASTM A967:

 

PTTEP Oil Rig

In mid-2014, our team was contracted to inspect and treat the FPSO facilities, which was showing early signs of corrosion.

The stainless steel surfaces were inspected and cleaned as per standards ASTM A380 and ASTM A967:

Read more about our onsite services here, including onsite cleaning, pickling and passivation.

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Electropolishing and Hospitality

Electropolishing

Electropolishing is a process that streamlines the microscopic surface of a metal object by removing metal from the object’s surface through an electrochemical process similar to, but the reverse of, electroplating.
Electropolishing works by effectively removing stainless steel by first shedding the metal peaks, or high points, of the treated surface.

There are numerous benefits to electropolishing, including:

  • Better Physical Appearance
  • Enhanced Mechanical Properties
  • Better Corrosion Resistance
  • Provides a clean, smooth surface that’s easier to sterilise
  • Able to polish areas that are inaccessible by other polishing methods

Electropolishing and Hospitality

Electropolishing on stainless steel hospitality equipment can reduce the likelihood of food contamination and improve equipment hygiene.

Due to heavy use and prolonged exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals, stainless steel in the hospitality industry can be susceptible to corrosion, leading to a higher potential of harboring bacteria.

Treating stainless steel by electropolishing removes the peaks and high points, leaving a smooth surface free of impurities. This newly clean, smooth surface resists bacteria and moisture, providing a safer surface for food and drink processing equipment.

As bacteria and moisture cling to any imperfections, proper maintenance and corrosion control is critical to keep bacteria growth at bay.

Additionally, electropolishing removes the presence of hydrogen from stainless steel. Hydrogen creates a suitable breeding ground for bacteria, so removing hydrogen from stainless steel helps protect equipment from bacterial growth. Electropolishing is the only treatment that removes hydrogen from both the surface and throughout the stainless steel.

Electropolishing also reduces corrosion of your stainless steel, allowing equipment to maintain its integrity and optimal performance for as long as possible.

Electropolishing Services with International Corrosion Services

Since 2015, ICS have had Western Australia’s largest electropolish bath for the treatment of stainless steel.

Standard ASTM B912 recommends the pickle and passivation of stainless steel to ASTM A380 as a pre-treatment process. Our electropolish bath is the only facility in Western Australia able to facilitate this large-scale service.

The electropolish facility at ICS includes:

  • 5000amp state of the art German manufactured rectifier
  • Mixer for agitation of the fluid
  • Temperature sensor
  • Electrical heaters
  • Electrical control panel and control units
  • Bath cover/lid (manual handling)
  • Fumes exhaust system
  • Waste Disposal and recycling system
  • 10 tonne and 5 tonne overhead cranes

Our electropolishing bath can treat stainless steel up to 6.5m long, 1.5m deep and 1.3m wide. While larger pieces can be treated using a double dip method, a slight demarcation line may appear if there is an overlap.

Your equipment is guaranteed to be free of the risk of cross-contamination, as we exclusively treat stainless steel. We use soft slings to move stainless steel, ensuring there are no damage or scratches to the steel.

Click here to find out more about our Electropolishing services and contact us today for treatment.

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Electropolishing and the Medical Industry

Electropolishing

Electropolishing is a process that streamlines the microscopic surface of a metal object by removing metal from the object’s surface through an electrochemical process similar to, but the reverse of, electroplating.
Electropolishing works by effectively removing stainless steel by first shedding the metal peaks, or high points, of the treated surface.

There are numerous benefits to electropolishing, including:

  • Better Physical Appearance
  • Enhanced Mechanical Properties
  • Better Corrosion Resistance
  • Provides a clean, smooth surface that’s easier to sterilise
  • Able to polish areas that are inaccessible by other polishing methods

Electropolishing and the Medical Industry

Electropolishing is a highly effective choice of stainless steel treatment for medical and surgical equipment. The stainless steel surface is left not only smooth and corrosive resistant but also clean.

This clean, smooth finish left by electropolishing is critical for medical equipment. The smooth, passive finish prevents equipment from jamming and surgical utensils are kept sharp and accurate. Electropolishing can also remove discolouration from stainless steel equipment, leaving a clean, sterile appearance.

Even items ready for implant can be treated with electropolish. Implantable items need to be biocompatible and free of contaminants. The surface left by electropolishing is not only free of contaminants and corrosive resistant, but inhibits bacteria growth and is ideal for surgical procedures.

Other medical and surgical equipment that is commonly electropolished include scalpels, clamps, saws and prosthetics.

Electropolishing also reduces the risk of the following within the medical industry:

  • Implant rejection and bio-incompatibility
  • The spread of pathogen
  • Premature failure
  • Contamination
  • Bacteria growth
  • Electropolishing Services with International Corrosion Services

Since 2015, ICS have had Western Australia’s largest electropolish bath for the treatment of stainless steel.

Standard ASTM B912 recommends the pickle and passivation of stainless steel to ASTM A380 as a pre-treatment process. Our electropolish bath is the only facility in Western Australia able to facilitate this large-scale service.

The electropolish facility at ICS includes:

  • 5000amp state of the art German manufactured rectifier
  • Mixer for agitation of the fluid
  • Temperature sensor
  • Electrical heaters
  • Electrical control panel and control units
  • Bath cover/lid (manual handling)
  • Fumes exhaust system
  • Waste Disposal and recycling system
  • 10 tonne and 5 tonne overhead cranes

Our electropolishing bath can treat stainless steel up to 6.5m long, 1.5m deep and 1.3m wide. While larger pieces can be treated using a double dip method, a slight demarcation line may appear if there is an overlap.

Your equipment is guaranteed to be free of the risk of cross-contamination, as we exclusively treat stainless steel. We use soft slings to move stainless steel, ensuring there are no damage or scratches to the steel.

Click here to find out more about our Electropolishing services and contact us today for treatment.

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Electropolishing and the Marine Industry

Stainless steel is a common choice for use in the marine industry due to its strength and structural integrity. 316 and 304 grade stainless steel are the most common types for marine use. While aluminum is sometimes used in marine construction, it does not offer the same corrosion resistance, strength or lustre that stainless steel can.

Stainless steel provides greater corrosion resistance than aluminum – however, prolonged exposure to the elements – including salt water and sea spray, can lead to corrosion and rust problems, compromising the quality of stainless steel structures and equipment.

Stainless steel failures are commonly attributed to pitting and crevice corrosion. Keeping stainless steel clean can improve its corrosion resistance and durability.

Treating marine stainless steel with our electropolishing services can improve on the features of stainless steel, including:

  • Improved corrosion resistance
  • Improved rust protection
  • Clean, smooth finish
  • Life extension

Marine stainless steel is left smooth and clean, with a finish free of imperfections which could compromise its strength. Electropolishing can also protect steel against rust and discolouration.

Because of the harsh elements marine stainless steel is exposed to, maintenance is critical. Electropolishing can protect your stainless steel and your investment from the elements.

Electropolishing

Electropolishing is a process that streamlines the microscopic surface of a metal object by removing metal from the object’s surface through an electrochemical process similar to, but the reverse of, electroplating.

Electropolishing works by effectively removing stainless steel by first shedding the metal peaks, or high points, of the treated surface.

There are numerous benefits to electropolishing, including:

  • Better Physical Appearance
  • Enhanced Mechanical Properties
  • Better Corrosion Resistance
  • Provides a clean, smooth surface that’s easier to sterilise
  • Able to polish areas that are inaccessible by other polishing methods

Electropolishing Services with International Corrosion Services

Since 2015, ICS have had Western Australia’s largest electropolish bath for the treatment of stainless steel.

Standard ASTM B912 recommends the pickle and passivation of stainless steel to ASTM A380 as a pre-treatment process. Our electropolish bath is the only facility in Western Australia able to facilitate this large-scale service.

The electropolish facility at ICS includes:

  • 5000amp state of the art German manufactured rectifier
  • Mixer for agitation of the fluid
  • Temperature sensor
  • Electrical heaters
  • Electrical control panel and control units
  • Bath cover/lid (manual handling)
  • Fumes exhaust system
  • Waste Disposal and recycling system
  • 10 tonne and 5 tonne overhead cranes

Our electropolishing bath can treat stainless steel up to 6.5m long, 1.5m deep and 1.3m wide. While larger pieces can be treated using a double dip method, a slight demarcation line may appear if there is an overlap.

Your equipment is guaranteed to be free of the risk of cross-contamination, as we exclusively treat stainless steel. We use soft slings to move stainless steel, ensuring there are no damage or scratches to the steel.

Click here to find out more about our Electropolishing services and contact us today for treatment.

 

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