You’ve recently installed a pristine stainless steel water system, expecting it to solve all your contamination issues. However, a few months later, you’re faced with an alarming discovery. A water sample reveals a reddish, gelatinous substance in the flask. As you inspect the system, you find a reddish deposit coating the interior of the tank, red impellers and volutes in the pump, and even red traces in the heat exchanger and spray balls.
These unsightly marks are known as rouging, which can have significant implications. In this article, we will explore what rouging is, why it occurs, the importance of removing it, and delve into effective methods to eliminate rouging on stainless steel surfaces.
What Is Rouging?
Rouging refers to the formation of reddish-brown deposits or stains on stainless steel surfaces. These deposits can appear in various forms, such as powdery rust, scale, or even sticky films. They commonly occur in industries that rely on stainless steel equipment, including pharmaceuticals, food processing, and water treatment plants.
Why Does Rouging Happen?
The precise causes of rouging can vary, but it is commonly attributed to the presence of iron oxide on stainless steel surfaces. High temperatures, oxygen exposure, and the presence of contaminants such as chlorides and nitrates contribute to the development of rouging. These factors can initiate corrosion reactions and lead to the formation of iron oxide deposits on stainless steel surfaces.
Why Is It Important To Remove Rouging?
Rouging compromises the aesthetic appeal of stainless steel surfaces. In industries where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount, such as the pharmaceutical and food processing sectors, the presence of rouging can raise concerns about product contamination.
Aside from that, it can create rough surfaces and pitting, compromising the integrity and functionality of stainless steel equipment. This can lead to increased maintenance costs, reduced equipment lifespan, and potential failure.
How Can Weld Cleaning Solutions Eliminate Rouging?
When rouging occurs specifically around welded areas, specialised weld cleaning solutions can be employed. These solutions are designed to remove surface contaminants, including rouging, from the welds without compromising the integrity of the stainless steel.
Prior to welding, it is essential to remove contaminants using a pre-weld cleaning solution to ensure the attainment of high-quality welds. Look for a weld cleaning solution supplier that offers a range of innovative options, from chemically stringent to high-powered, for effective cleaning and passivating of stainless steel surfaces.
Derouging Made Easy With TIG Brush
By understanding the causes of rouging and the importance of its removal, industries can take proactive measures to combat this problem. Eliminating rouging is essential to maintain the integrity and performance of stainless steel equipment.
Discover the power of Ensitech’s TIG Brush premium weld cleaning solutions, designed to revolutionise your stainless steel surface preparation. With a comprehensive range of premium, innovative fluids, we have invested heavily in research and development to ensure optimal cleaning quality, passivation, and safety.
Contact us today to learn more about our weld cleaning solutions.
