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Acid clean boiler part?

2006

I have a electric utility customer who has some boiler parts, valve cages, that have become clogged with small (BB sized) metal pieces. The cages tests out to be 410 SS hardened. I am going to send some of the particles out to be tested but think they may be iron. What I am looking for is perhaps an acid cleaning method that would dissolve the contaminants without harming the boiler parts. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Joseph T. Tucker

2006

After a proper degrease step, nitric acid (50% water) will dissolve iron without affecting 400 series stainless steel. Trial on a safe area is recommended first.

Guillermo Marrufo

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