Pickling (Acid Cleaning) Applications
A clean start is of great importance for ensuring long-life and efficient use in hydraulic and industrial piping systems. Burr, welding residues, rust, and oxide layers remaining on the inner surfaces of pipes after welding can negatively affect the efficiency and safety of systems. Pickling applications are important processes that increase corrosion resistance and improve fluid transition by cleaning the inner surfaces of pipes.
As TMS, we offer professional pickling services to prepare the hydraulic and piping systems of industrial plants according to the highest hygiene standards.
What is Pickling?
Pickling is a process that ensures the removal of undesired substances such as oxidation, rust, welding residues, and burrs on inner surfaces by cleaning pipes and hydraulic lines with chemical solutions. This process makes pipes suitable for fluid transition, more resistant to corrosion, and ensures the system operates reliably in the long term.
Pickling is generally applied in high-pressure hydraulic systems, oil and gas industry, chemical plants, power plants, and heavy industry piping systems.
Advantages of this process include cleaning burrs and rust formed after welding, increasing flow efficiency by smoothing the inner surface, extending system life by cleaning surfaces in contact with hydraulic fluids, and making pipes more resistant to corrosion.
Pickling Process Methods
Pickling is performed with different methods depending on the type of pipeline and system requirements.
Pickling with Immersion Method
In this method, small-diameter and portable pipes are completely immersed in a special acidic solution and cleaned.
- It is one of the most effective and fast solutions for small pipes.
- It is ensured that the acid contacts every point of the pipe surfaces equally.
- Perfect cleaning is achieved thanks to the homogeneous spread of the chemical solution.
This method is generally used for prefabricated pipe components and post-welding burr and rust removal processes.
Pickling with Circulation Method
This method is preferred for large-diameter pipes or fixed piping systems. The acidic solution is circulated through the pipeline with pump systems to remove contaminants on the surface.
- It provides deep cleaning on the inner surface of large-diameter pipes.
- It completely cleans residues accumulated in the pipe depending on fluid transition.
- It makes it possible to clean pipes in place, eliminating the need to dismantle the system.
This method is generally used in power plants, petrochemical plants, shipbuilding industry, and high-pressure hydraulic lines.
Advantages of Pickling Application
- Helps hydraulic and piping systems maintain their first-day performance.
- Prevents blockages caused by particles and contamination in the system.
- Prevents any foreign matter formation when in contact with hydraulic fluids.
- Reduces maintenance costs by reducing wear on machines and equipment.
- Optimizes fluid transfer by creating a homogeneous and smooth surface in the pipeline.
- Minimizes the risk of corrosion that may occur on inner surfaces of pipes.
Quality Control and Testing Process After Pickling
As TMS, we conduct quality control tests to verify the cleanliness and safety of the system after the pickling process is completed.
- pH Control: It is ensured that pipes are completely neutralized after the pickling process.
- Passivation Process: A protective layer is formed on the inner surface of pipes to prevent rusting again.
- Visual Inspection: Inner surfaces of pipes are inspected in detail with optical devices.
- Pressure and Sealing Tests: Compliance of piping systems with operating conditions is verified.
Thanks to these tests, we ensure that the pipes are clean, safe, and long-life.
Pickling Services with TMS
As TMS, we offer expert pickling services for hydraulic and industrial pipe systems. We determine the most suitable pickling method for your facilities by producing special solutions suitable for pipe diameter, material, and intended use.
Our services include:
- Chemical cleaning solutions in accordance with ISO and DIN standards
- In-place and safe cleaning of the pipeline
- Minimum business interruption with fast and effective applications
- Special pickling solutions for power plants, chemical plants, and heavy industry
- Ensuring long-life and safe use of pipe systems
You can contact us to clean the hydraulic and piping systems of your facility at the highest level and make them long-life.