Pickling – Passivation Mechanism and Process Optimization of Q235 Steel Pipeline

Abstract

Pipe cleaning is currently the most effective method to improve the cleanliness and corrosion resistance of pipes. In this paper, a new method of pipe cleaning is proposed, combining mechanical and chemical cleaning, offline tank cleaning and online cycle cleaning. Through experiments and characterization of the morphology changes, the mechanism of pickling and passivation of Q235 steel was explored, and the entire process of microstructure and morphology changes on the pipe wall’s surface was analyzed to verify the feasibility of this technology. The cleaning process was optimised using response surface analysis to determine the optimum cleaning conditions. This study is of great relevance to the effective operation of continuous-casting equipment over a long period of time.