How to clean and maintain stainless steel pipe fittings in industrial projects

First, will stainless steel pipe fittings rust?
Stainless steel pipe fittings are not easy to rust, but stainless steel pipe fittings will also rust. The fact that stainless steel pipe fittings are not easy to rust has a lot to do with the composition of stainless steel. In addition to iron, stainless steel also contains chromium, nickel, aluminum, silicon, etc. The chromium content of general stainless steel is generally not less than 12%, and the highest is even 18%. After adding elements such as chromium to steel, the properties of steel can be changed. For example, the molecular structure of steel is more uniform, and it is easier to form a dense oxide protective film on the surface of steel, thereby greatly improving the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Therefore, stainless steel pipe fittings can resist corrosion from fire, water, acid, alkali, and various solutions, and will not rust. Scientists have found that the more uniform the internal structure of steel, the more closely the various components are connected, and the more difficult it is for corrosive substances to invade. In addition, a layer of oxide protective film is attached to the surface, just like putting armor on steel, so it is naturally not easy to rust. Why do stainless steel pipe fittings also rust? When brown rust spots (spots) appear on the surface of stainless steel pipe fittings, people are surprised: they think "Stainless steel is rust-free, rust is not stainless steel, maybe there is something wrong with the steel". This is a one-sided and wrong view of stainless steel. Stainless steel will also rust under certain conditions. Stainless steel can resist atmospheric oxidation, that is, rust-free, and also can resist corrosion in media containing acids, alkalis, and salts, that is, corrosion resistance. However, the size of its corrosion resistance varies with the chemical composition, annealing state, use conditions, and environmental medium type of the steel itself. For example, 304 steel pipe has excellent corrosion resistance in a dry and clean atmosphere, but if it is moved to the coastal area, it will soon rust in sea fog containing a lot of salt; while 316 steel pipe performs well. Therefore, not all kinds of stainless steel pipe fittings can resist corrosion and rust in any environment.

Second, how to clean and maintain stainless steel pipe fittings
Stainless steel pipe fittings have good corrosion resistance because a passivation film is formed on their surface. To prevent stainless pipe fittings from corrosion and rust, the passivation film on the surface of stainless steel pipe fittings must be kept intact. Therefore, we need to regularly clean and maintain the surface of stainless steel pipe fittings to extend their service life.
1. If there is dust and slight dirt on the surface of stainless steel pipe fittings, it can be washed with soap, weak detergent, or warm water.
2. The trademarks and films on the surface of stainless steel pipe fittings can be cleaned with warm water and weak detergent. If there are adhesive components, use alcohol or organic solvents such as ether and benzene to scrub.
3. Grease and lubricating oil pollution on the surface of stainless steel pipe fittings can be wiped clean with a cloth and then cleaned with special detergents such as neutral detergent or ammonia solution.
4. The rainbow marks on the surface of stainless steel pipe fittings are caused by excessive use of detergents or oils, which can be washed off with warm water and neutral detergents.
5. Rust caused by dirt on the surface of stainless steel pipe fittings can be washed with 10% nitric acid or abrasive detergents, or with special detergents.

As long as we use the correct maintenance methods regularly, we can extend the service life of stainless steel pipe fittings and maintain their clean and bright appearance.