Novel Methodology for the Selection, Dosing and On-Line Control of Corrosion Inhibitors for Industrial Acid Pickling

Abstract

A novel methodology based on electrochemical hydrogen permeation tests is proposed to study the efficiency of commercial inhibitors for industrial acid pickling of iron and mild steels. Weight loss measurements and hydrogen permeation tests have been carried out in order to compare the sensitivity of different techniques to variations of low inhibitor dosages. It has been found a close dependence between low amounts of filming inhibitors and hydrogen uptake in the metallic surface with related permeation currents. The high sensitivity of permeation currents may be very useful to establish and also control the optimum amount of active substances in industrial pickling baths, with related cost savings. The implementation of the proposed methodology to improve the control of industrial pickling plants is also envisaged, since it would be possible to improve both sensitivity and time response of experimental permeation curves.