Mechanical descaling: an alternative
to chemical descaling of steel
One of the methods industrial blasting, used in the context of steel manufacturing, and particularly during the rolling or hot deformation process, is mechanical descaling.
Indeed, a layer of scale. This pollution is a real problem, because in addition to negatively affecting the cold deformation process, scale contaminates the tools de production et affects the surface condition of steel.
Chemical descaling
One of the methods used to remove scalewas the use of chemical products and in particular the use of sulfuric acid ou hydrochloric acid, which corrode the material forming chlorides or sulfides. The effectiveness was certain.
However, this technique caused impact significant environmental impact:
- Heating the acid and chemical action generate greenhouse gas emissions
- Generation of secondary waste: air and soil pollution, etc.
The replacement solution therefore consisted of a process capable of removing scale with very high efficiency, and with zero or extremely reduced environmental impact.
This technique is mechanical descaling.
Mechanical descaling
There are 2 types de mechanical descaling.
La first category includes descaling by projection of abrasive media such as sandblasting (example: metal sandblasting), air abrasive blasting or also shot blasting.
The technique of projection by abrasives at very high speed removes pollutants such as scale or oxidation, through the release of kinetic energy from particles onto the contaminant.
La second category includes manual or automated actions such as the use of wire brush, or "sandpaper", with rotation, thus freeing the surface from scale
With these techniques, it is possible to drastically reduce negative environmental impact, without sacrificing treatment quality.
Which technique and media to use?
In the subject that concerns us (descaling in the context of steel rolling), it is primarily shot blasting that is used.
The use of inert or steel-compatible descaling materials is essential, such as corundum, micro glass beads or stainless steel beads
It is very important to monitor the type of abrasive materials used to avoid contaminating metal parts.
By using mechanical descaling, in the context of steel forming and other applications, you avoid many drawbacks...
Beyond steel descaling in the context of rolling...
As briefly mentioned above, mechanical descaling allows, in the context of surface treatment, to remove corrosion, thus to strip rust, but not only...
You can also consider degreasing mechanical parts, without a drop of degreaser, through the use of eco-friendly abrasives like apricot kernel powder, and therefore dry, without requiring rinsing or drying time!
Mechanical descaling eliminates the need for solvents, and thus paint stripping such as industrial paint or epoxy paint, which require the use of extremely aggressive chemical products!
Le mechanical descaling is an excellent alternative to chemical descaling or heat treatment.
