Testing stainless steel passivation with a meter

A. The problem isn't your passivation or e/p process; it's the welding. When the carbon level is elevated it combines with chrome to form chromium carbide when heated. This is typically referred to as "chromium depletion" and results in decreased corrosion resistance in the "heat affect zone."

Go back to the designers, manufacturers, fabricators and tell them to re-spec the parts with 304L which is 304 with Lower carbon for welding applications. Look around in any plating shop at the stainless tanks. If they're bright and shiny except for the welds, you'll see obvious signs of "chromium depletion." Whenever we spec out stainless steel tanks for in the shop, we spec out 304L or 316L.

We've used the "Passitestor" which is OK in that it gives a quantitative measurement of passivity so is useful in rating different processes (citric vs. nitric, for example would be a stellar application ). I'm not sure you'll ever successfully pass in the welded zone.

A. We are not sure what kind of meter you are using-- there are several available around the world. But, we have found them in general to be very erratic in determining passivity of the surface and corrosion resistance. Many others in the industry have had the same results, this is why ASTM does not recognize this method of testing.

The theory is that the passive layer (chromium and nickel oxides) are less conductive than the base metal. In theory this should be correct, if it could be done accurately.

We have measured unpassivated vs. passivated parts with one meter and found no difference in results. In fact we tested iron contaminated surfaces and found them to be "passive" according to this test. We would VERY MUCH love to have someone come up with one of these meters that really does work and can substantiate it with data of passivated vs. unpassivated surfaces compared to good corrosion tests like salt spray. Our customers would love to have a quick method like this, but have been unable to use it because of the inconsistency.

A. There is a wealth of data available that prove passivation meters are effective at verifying the passivation state of stainless steel parts and equipment. Numerous industries, including pharmaceutical and beverage industries enjoy the speed and ease of using a passivation tester. These testers are non-destructive and record and save data points.