CAPE ENVIRONMENTAL – CHEMICAL CLEANING DIVISION

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Title PICKLING OF CARBON STEEL PIPEWORK & Ref No. CES-CC-SOP-504
EQUIPMENT
Written by: Martin Hyman Date: 12/04/2015 Rev. No. 1
Approved by: D Smith Date: 08/01/2016 Rev. Date: 08/01/2016

CLEANING (PICKLING) OF CARBON STEEL PIPEWORK, VESSELS AND

EQUIPMENT
(by dipping procedure)

Scope

The following procedure is suitable for the pre-service and post-service cleaning of all standard grades of
Carbon Steel for items suitable for tank dipping.

Due to the use of Hydrochloric Acid this method should NOT be used for Stainless Steel parts (of any grade).
For cleaning of items containing mixed metals and/or stainless parts, an alternative acid cleaning solution may
be used - refer to the CES Technical Department for guidance.

Key Related Documents

CMS PR R4 25-3c - Chemical Cleaning

CMS PR R4 25-7c - Chemical Cleaning Work Instruction

Standard Operating Procedures:-

CES-CC-SOP-001 - Hydrochloric Acid Cleaning Process

CES-CC-SOP-201 - Caustic Soda Degreasing Process
CES-CC-SOP-202 - Alkaline Degreasing Processes (except Caustic Soda)
CES-CC-SOP-101 - Interim Passivations & Copper Removals
CES-CC-SOP-103 - Preservation/Wet Storage

Key Changes

Changes from the previous version of this document if applicable are marked in the margin.

Disclaimer

This document is provided for use by Cape PLC and its contractors/suppliers are obliged by the terms and
conditions of their contracts to comply with this document.
Where this document is used by any other party it is the responsibility of that party to ensure that this document
is correctly applied.

Mandatory and Non-Mandatory Requirements

In this document:
Shall: indicates a mandatory requirement.
Should: indicates best practice and is the preferred option. If an alternative method is used then a
suitable and sufficient risk assessment shall be completed to show that the alternative method
delivers the same, or better, level of protection

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© Cape Environmental Services 408844180.doc Page 1 of 4

 CAPE ENVIRONMENTAL – CHEMICAL CLEANING DIVISION
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title PICKLING OF CARBON STEEL PIPEWORK & Ref No. CES-CC-SOP-504
EQUIPMENT
Written by: Martin Hyman Date: 12/04/2015 Rev. No. 1
Approved by: D Smith Date: 08/01/2016 Rev. Date: 08/01/2016

1. Initial Inspection

1.1. Inspect the items on receipt at the pickling site to ascertain their condition and that there are no
incompatible materials present (e.g. in-line valves containing non CS seals and parts). If such
parts exist they shall be removed by stripping down & dismantling or otherwise suitably
protected from contact with the pickling fluids.
1.2. Check any identification tags, labels etc., and ensure items will be identifiable after cleaning if
tags need to be removed.
1.3. Ensure any external finishes, paint coatings etc., are compatible with the cleaning treatment. In
most cases the treatments, in particular the hot caustic degrease and acid treatments, will
degrade and partially remove external paint films. Check that this is acceptable to the client
before proceeding to dip these items.
1.4. Unless prior agreement has been reached with the client on the exact cleaning specification it
shall be agreed whether a degreasing stage should be included or otherwise.
1.5. If items are heavily coated in greases, oils or other grease films a hot Caustic based degrease
shall be performed as below. Alternatively for lightly contaminated pieces with thin oil films, or
newly fabricated pieces containing normal constructional debris and films, a light Sodium
Carbonate degrease may be employed. Solvent degreasing may be used for small
components.

2. Preparation and Initial Flushing

2.1. Items as described may be cleaned in solutions made up from town mains water (generally of
conductivity < 200μS cm-1). Town mains water may also be used for flushing between stages.
Towns water of poorer quality may also be used but in this case the final flushing and
passivation stages (steps 6 & below) shall be done using suitably treated or demineralised
water.
2.2. If items are dirty and/or contain excessive semi-adherent debris, clean by flushing with high-
pressure water until water runs clear.
2.3. Ensure there is sufficient room in the degrease, pickling and passivation tanks/baths to
accommodate the pieces where they can be fully immersed.
2.4. Ensure there is adequate chemical capacity as per the specifications below by analysis of the
bath solutions (at regular intervals).
2.5. Ensure adequate and safe means of lifting & lowering pieces in and out of the baths is present,
using chemical-resistant web slings etc.
2.6. Ensure there is adequate space to receive the items following dipping to allow water jet
cleaning and a suitable location to allow the items to be dried on completion and preservative
treatments applied (if required). All areas to be suitably bunded.
2.7. Erect barriers and warning signs around chemical handling area and other affected areas. All
personnel to wear adequate PPE according to the prevailing COSHH and Risk Assessments for
the operation.

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© Cape Environmental Services 408844180.doc Page 2 of 4

 CAPE ENVIRONMENTAL – CHEMICAL CLEANING DIVISION
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title PICKLING OF CARBON STEEL PIPEWORK & Ref No. CES-CC-SOP-504
EQUIPMENT
Written by: Martin Hyman Date: 12/04/2015 Rev. No. 1
Approved by: D Smith Date: 08/01/2016 Rev. Date: 08/01/2016

3. Degreasing Stage (if required)

3.1. Lower items into a bath containing one of the following degreasing solutions, ensuring items are
fully immersed (all trapped air removed). Soak for a suitable period as indicated. Heat may be
applied to the dipping tank if required to maintain the temperature:-
3.1.1. Alternative 1 for light oils, greases and constructional debris
2% w/w Sodium Carbonate
0.05% w/w Non-ionic wetting agent
Temperature 40 - 60°C
Time: 2 - 4 hours dependent on level of contamination
3.1.2. Alternative 2 for heavier oils & greases
5% w/w Sodium Hydroxide
0.05% w/w Non-ionic wetting agent
Temperature 70 - 90°C
Time: 2 - 4 hours dependent on level of contamination

4. Post-degrease flushing

4.1. Remove items slowly from the dipping tank allowing all liquor to drain back. Fully clean by
flushing with a high-pressure water washer until effluent runs clear and all visible debris
removed where possible.
4.2. All effluent water to be channelled to a bunded storage tank for treatment and removal from site
by a licensed contractor to a suitably licensed third party disposal facility.

5. Acid Pickling Stage

5.1. Lower items into a bath containing the following pickling solution, ensuring items are fully
immersed (all trapped air removed). Soak for a suitable period as indicated:-

10 - 12% w/w Hydrochloric Acid

0.2% w/w Armohib 28 (acid corrosion inhibitor)
Temperature Ambient
Time: 4 - 24 hours dependent on level of contamination
(cleaning progress may be checked by lifting out a sample piece for visual inspection)

6. Post-acid stage flushing

6.1. Remove items slowly from the dipping tank allowing all liquor to drain back. Fully clean by
flushing with a high-pressure water washer until effluent runs neutral (pH 6 - 8), clear and all
visible surface debris has been removed.
6.2. All effluent water to be channelled to a bunded storage tank for treatment and removal from site
by a licensed contractor to a suitably licensed third party disposal facility.
6.3. IMMEDIATELY PROCEED WITH THE FOLLOWING STAGE (PASSIVATION). There should
be no delay in commencement of passivating the cleaned items as the surface is highly active
and susceptible to rapid oxidation in the air (rusting).

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© Cape Environmental Services 408844180.doc Page 3 of 4

 CAPE ENVIRONMENTAL – CHEMICAL CLEANING DIVISION
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Title PICKLING OF CARBON STEEL PIPEWORK & Ref No. CES-CC-SOP-504
EQUIPMENT
Written by: Martin Hyman Date: 12/04/2015 Rev. No. 1
Approved by: D Smith Date: 08/01/2016 Rev. Date: 08/01/2016

7. Passivation Stage

7.1. Lower items into a bath containing the following passivation solution, ensuring items are fully
immersed (all trapped air removed). Soak for a suitable period as indicated:-

1% w/w Citric Acid

Ammonia to pH 9.2 - 9.8
0.2 - 0.3% w/w Hydrogen Peroxide
Temperature Ambient or up to 40°C
Time: 2 - 4 hours

OR

7.2. Spray items with a jet washer with the following passivation solution, ensuring items are fully
contacted both internally and externally for approx. 2 - 3 minutes:-

0.5% v/v MBT Passivator

Temperature Ambient
7.3. Remove items slowly from the dipping tank allowing all liquor to drain back, or if spray
passivation is used allow all liquid to drain off.
7.4. DO NOT FLUSH ITEMS FURTHER as this will degrade the passive surfaces. IMMEDIATELY
PROCEED WITH THE FOLLOWING STAGE (DRYING & PRESERVATION).

8. Drying and Preservation

8.1. All items to be transferred to dry area and allowed to dry, assisted by hot air blowing if
necessary.
8.2. Inspect all pieces to ensure surface cleanliness is to the required standard (client to witness if
possible, otherwise photographs to be taken and kept).
8.3. OPTIONAL: Suitable protection to be applied as per the client’s requirements, e.g. internal bore
of pipes & vessels to be sprayed with a protective dewatering oil film (e.g. Rustban 335, Tectyl
309-506 etc.)

OR

Vapour Phase Inhibitor (VPI) tablets or VPI or silica gel sachets to be added.
8.4. All open ends to be capped where required using clean polyethylene plugs or caps or suitable
tape.
8.5. OPTIONAL: As required external surfaces may be protected with suitable paint primer and
other coatings as specified by the client. Only proceed with external treatment once
capping and internal protection (steps 8.1 to above) have been completed.
8.6. Replace all identification tags or labels as necessary, as have been removed at step above.
8.7. Items to be held in a suitable clean and dry area until ready for transport back to client’s site.

END OF PROCEDURE

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