Refurbish Stainless Steel Equipment
Sometimes tanks, skid systems, heat exchangers and pressure vessels sit idle for years before recommissioning back into production service. Product lines change. Old equipment may have issues with moisture or galvanic corrosion or cracked welds. The need to refurbish stainless steel equipment is great due to the cost of new stainless equipment, material availability, lead times, and tighter budgets.
| Service | Description | Benefits | Application Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electropolishing | The production of a smoother, passive stainless steel surface using an energized acid solution with a hand-held cathode. |
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Equipment needs an improved surface for clean-ability, to meet industry standards, and to remain within operating condition. |
| Citric Acid Passivation | The use of citric acid solution for circulation or immersion and/or citric acid gel for vertical situations. Both forms meet ASTM A967 specifications. |
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Usually performed as a preventative maintenance and scheduled to be done on a regular basis. |
| Mechanical Polishing | A surface finish using abrasive belts, wheels and discs. Grinding, blending, hand polishing, Ra specific finishes. |
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Piece of equipment has altered the surface roughness and mechanical polishing is used to improve the clean-ability or bring the tank back within operating specifications. |
| Buffing | A mechanical technique following polishing to generate a smoother finish, free of lines, possibly to a mirror finish. |
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Improve the surface finish to make visual inspections easier and improve clean-ability |
| Degreasing | A chemical cleaning process to remove all sorts of contaminants from the surface of the stainless steel prior to further chemical processing (i.e. electropolishing, passivation). Acid degreasing removes mineral deposits, oxidation residues, salts, starches, carbonates and insoluble hydroxides. Caustic degreasing removes organic residues including oils, fats, greases and proteins. |
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Equipment may have rouging or pre-cleaning is needed prior to further chemical processing (i.e. electropolishing, passivation). |
| Welding | An activity that is used for binding materials together through the application of heat. |
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Crack repairs, port removals, port additions, sight glass additions, tank alterations, or filling pits. |
| Pressure Vessel/Tank Weld Repairs | Pressure rated vessels require a Code Certified welder that works for a company that holds an “R” stamp. A pressure vessel is a tank or vessel that has been designed to operate at pressures above 15 p.s.i.g (Registered with a National Board) or greater. |
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A pressure rated vessel that would require any type of weld repair. Common issues include cracked weld, tank modifications, or excessive pitting. |
Refurbishing stainless steel equipment does not need to be a nightmare or involve multiple parties. Allegheny Surface Technology is your single source to provide all these refurbishing needs. We have experienced code R-stamp certified welders. We have exemplary mechanical polishers, unparalleled electro-polishing services, citric acid passivation, caustic degreasing and acid degreasing. We also have an incredibly dedicated and experienced team of field service technicians ready for mobilization within 24 hours.