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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stainless steel is an ideal material for many uses, including structures, industrial equipment and commercial plants. Steel is a common choice due to its strength, and stainless steel’s excellent corrosion and staining resistance is ideal for these applications all over the world.

However, stainless steel can be susceptible to localised corrosion, or uniform corrosion if exposed to basic or acidic solutions. Some corrosion can be difficult to predict and protecting stainless steel with the proper maintenance is critical to keep the integrity of your structures or equipment.

Depending on the environment in which stainless steel is used, surface deposits can cause staining and discolouring. The correct grade, finish, maintenance and cleaning schedules are required to maintain stainless steel’s best performance.

Maintenance

Surface deposits, contamination and corrosion must be prevented to prolong the life and integrity of stainless steel. The environments and conditions stainless steel is subjected to can have a major impact on its longevity and the frequency in which maintenance works should be carried out.

Typically, more aggressive environments (such as marine equipment) prove more difficult for stainless steel to resist without the correct cleaning and maintenance. Choosing the correct maintenance schedule for stainless steel, as in the table below, and a prompt response to any stains or discolouration can aid in the prevention of serious problems with stainless steel.

Maintenance Schedule

Having stainless steel cleaned as soon as it appears dirty can help restore its original lustre. The recommended frequency of cleaning will depend on an application’s use and location.

Recommended approximate frequency for cleaning

International Corrosion Services was established in 2010 and has since been a market leader in providing products and services for cleaning, descaling, and pickling and passivation of stainless steel.

As market leaders, our team has the knowledge and experience to work with all kinds of stainless steel projects, ensuring the quality and integrity of your stainless steel is upheld with a custom cleaning and maintenance schedule that is tailored for your project.

Our expertise enables us to:

Identify the type of treatment required and develop a scope of works.
Develop site-specific treatment operating procedures in compliance with the standards.
Developing and implementing health and safety procedures (risk assessments included)
Bunding and waste capture process for collection and offsite disposal.
Quality Control of treatment [which can incorporate the use of the Forroxyl test as a means of ensuring the stainless steel is free from iron contamination.]
Issue a certificate of completion and conformity.

With over 100 years of experience in quality, health and safety, systems and processes, our established background and commitment to service mean your stainless steel experiences will be nothing short of exceptional.

To organise a customised maintenance plan, suited to your material’s ongoing maintenance, contact International Corrosion Services today.

Iron contamination occurs when there is a deposit of iron surface of stainless steel. Oxidation of the iron results in the accumulation of rust staining. This staining can be slight and only appear on the surface, or can cause severe pitting or marks.

Common sources of iron contamination include:

• Stainless steel coming into contact with any other steel or iron materials
• Tools and parts previously used on steel or iron
• Environment and atmosphere – the area the stainless steel is kept in, including the air, water or other chemicals used to clean the surface

Possible consequences of iron contamination include:

• Reddish-brown or rust deposits on the surface
• Process contamination
• High enough levels of iron could accelerate some forms of corrosion

Avoiding Iron Contamination

Despite a wide variety of possible sources, iron contamination can be avoided.

Frequently, contamination occurs when non-stainless steel processing or equipment is used. Workshops that handle mixed metals or debris are a frequent source of contamination.

International Corrosion Services exclusively treats stainless steel so there is no risk of cross contamination. Soft slings are used for all crane movements, ensuring the stainless steel is free from scratches and damage.

Testing for Iron Contamination

 ICS can perform testing for iron contamination, in line with American standards ASTM A380 and A967. Ferroxyl testing, which can detect both free iron or iron oxide, is the best method for testing and is able to detect even small levels of contamination.

The Ferroxyl test indicates the presence of Fe2+ irons by turning blue. It is often used to detect rusting.

Due to its high sensitivity, this test is best used when no traces of free iron or iron oxide are acceptable on stainless steel. It can detect contamination, marks, residual salt, iron dust and deposits – whether these are caused by pickling solutions or welding.

Ferroxyl testing can be conducted to determine if austenitic stainless steel requires pickling, or has been pickled to a satisfactory standard.

ICS offer both onsite and inhouse Ferroxyl testing.

Find out more about our onsite services here, or contact us today to discuss your stainless steel needs!