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Acid Pickling of Brass and Copper Forgings

We are using manual pickling set up with Smaller Tank Sizes 1.5' x 1.5' x 1.5' for Brass and Copper Forgings. We would like to set up Automatic Pickling Plant towards plant upgadation. We may use the plant every alternate day only. We are planning to use bigger tank sizes 2.5' x 2' x 2'.

We need to understand the chemicals consumption since the tank sizes are bigger. Whether chemicals will loose their strength by way of storage in the tank without using the plant continuously for 3 to 4 days time.

Disposal of chemicals will it pose a problem since settling in the bottom will be more.

Is there any filtration systems available for the chemicals?

Is there any inhibitors for protecting the acid strength?

RAJAMANICKKAM RAJU
Non-Ferrous Forgings Manufacturer - Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
September 9, 2009

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September 10, 2009

You should not notice any difference in the sq ft of identical material per gal of acid that you process.
Since you did not bother to say what your pickle solution was, no one can answer the rest of the question.
Keep a cover on the tank to keep trash out and reduce evaporation.
There are a large number of different styles and brands of pumps for chemical operation. We all have our favorites. What is this pump supposed to do?

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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October 15, 2009

Dear Raja Manickam,

If you increasing the Tank size, you need to buy more chemical for initial filling, and regular consumption is same as per the previous tank.

I don't know, why you want use the filter, any way filter is available in the market depending on the requirement. and my advice for the filter is go for SS filter with 50 or lesser microns..

And you mentioned, the base material is Copper or brass. better do the pickling in Phosphoric acid, for the other acid don't give more dipping time.

Kannan Boopathi
- Salem, Tamil Nadu, India