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Trial Number 0

Trial Purpose:

To test the efficacy of two products in removing flash rust from cold rolled steel coupons provided by the client (presoiled).

Date Run:

03/25/2024

Experiment Procedure:

Cold rolled steel coupons were provided pre-soiled with flash rust by the client.  The coupons dirtiness levels were visually ranked according to the visual observations criteria listed below.  Half of the coupons were cleaned using the Picklex Degreaser by method of heated immersion at 125 F for 90 seconds.  The other half of the coupons were cleaned using the Picklex 20 spray (ambient temp) by spraying the product onto their surface and allowing a 90 second contact time before wiping the surface with a paper towel (single wipe).  Each coupon was then rinsed with cold tap water for 60 seconds.  At this point, the coupons were visually ranked according to the visual observation criteria below.  The coupons were then dried in the conventional oven for 20 minutes at 300 F.  Once coupons were removed, observations were made about the brown coating left on the surface to prevent oxidation.

Visual Ranking criteria:

1= 100% soil removed (most clean)

2= 75% soil removed

3= 50% soil removed

4= 25% soil removed

5= 0% soil removed (most dirty)

Trial Results:

Cleaner Dirty Visual Ranking Clean Visual Ranking AVG Clean Ranking
Picklex Degreaser 5 1 1
5 1
5 1
Pickelx 20 spray 5 1 1
5 1
5 1

Coating observations:

A brown coating was left on the surface of the coupons after removing them from the oven, however the coating is uneven.  This may or may not lead to uneven protection against oxidation. 

Success Rating:

Results successful using TACT (time, agitation, concentration, and temperature, as well as rinsing and drying) and/or other cleaning chemistries examined.

Conclusion:

Both products were highly effective in removing flash rust from the surface of cold rolled steel.  Both products were effective in leaving a brown coating on the surface of the coupons, although this coating was visually uneven.  The unevenness of the color of the coating will likely not pose any issue of oxidation because at a microscopic level, all areas of the surface are likely sufficiently protected by a coating of a nano-thickness that is not able to be seen by the eye.

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