Stainless steel pipes and stainless steel tubes are widely used in industries such as petrochemical, food processing, construction, and power generation because of their corrosion resistance, durability, and mechanical strength. However, during storage, transportation, and use, the pipe surface often becomes contaminated with oil, grease, dirt, and even rust spots. These impurities not only reduce the efficiency and service life of stainless steel pipes but can also negatively impact subsequent welding, coating, or polishing processes.
To maintain the surface quality of stainless steel tubes and ensure stable performance, degreasing and cleaning are essential steps in surface treatment. Below are four widely used stainless steel pipe degreasing methods:
1. Alkaline Washing Degreasing for Stainless Steel Pipes
Principle & Operation
Alkaline washing removes grease through a saponification reaction between hydroxide ions and fatty acid ions. The stainless steel pipe is immersed in an alkaline cleaning solution for 15–20 minutes, then rinsed with clean water.
Key Points:
Concentration of alkaline solution must be controlled to avoid corrosion of stainless steel tubes.
Soaking time should be limited to prevent excessive surface roughness.
Workers must wear protective equipment during the stainless steel cleaning process.
2. Acid Degreasing of Stainless Steel Tubes
Principle & Operation
Acid solutions use hydrogen ions to react with alkaline grease components, forming water-soluble compounds. Stainless steel pipes are soaked for 10–15 minutes, then rinsed thoroughly.
Key Points:
Acid concentration and immersion time should be strictly managed to avoid pipe corrosion.
Pipes should be rinsed immediately after acid cleaning to remove residual acid.
Good ventilation is necessary during acid pickling of stainless steel pipes.
3. Solvent Degreasing for Stainless Steel Pipe Cleaning
Principle & Operation
Organic solvents dissolve grease and oil films on stainless steel tubes quickly. Pipes are immersed in the solvent for 5–10 minutes and then rinsed with water.
Key Points:
Organic solvents are volatile and potentially hazardous—protective gear and ventilation are essential.
After solvent degreasing, all residues must be removed to ensure stainless steel pipes are ready for welding, coating, or industrial processing.
4. Hot Water Degreasing Method for Stainless Steel Tubes
Principle & Operation
High-temperature water softens and dissolves grease on the pipe surface. Stainless steel pipes are soaked in hot water at controlled temperatures for 10–15 minutes, then rinsed clean.
Key Points:
Water temperature must be controlled to avoid damaging the stainless steel pipe surface.
After hot water cleaning, check for residual grease—repeat if necessary.
Conclusion
Whether in petrochemical pipelines, food-grade stainless steel tubes, boiler systems, or construction projects, surface cleanliness plays a crucial role in performance. Alkaline washing, acid cleaning, solvent degreasing, and hot water methods each have their own advantages. Choosing the right stainless steel pipe degreasing process not only improves the surface finish but also ensures better results in welding, coating, polishing, and long-term durability.
For industrial users, maintaining the clean surface of stainless steel pipes and tubes is an important step in guaranteeing product reliability and extending service life.
United Steel Industry As the most important steel pipe manufacturer and exporter in China, in the past 20 years, we have completed more than 100 projects, with partners in more than 100 countries, and established relationships with oil and gas and EPC companies in many countries business relationship.
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