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plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989




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Heating of Pickle Acids

2006

We would like to heat our pickle tanks. We usually use Hydrochloric acid with air agitation. If I add a wetter to keep the smell down from the heated HCl, can I chrome plate a standard steam heater? Will HCl eat chrome?
Todd Rogalla

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2006

Sorry, Todd, zero chance of success. HCl is the most common stripper for chrome plating :-)

Titanium might do if it has to be metal.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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2006

I did not know that anyone used air agitation in a HCl pickle. The fumes must be unreal and the entrained acid a real challenge for your fume scrubber. If this is an electric heater, it will need to be derated or double derated to have any chance of lasting. Teflon and quartz might be options.
James Watts
Navarre, Florida

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2006

In my opinion, another option would be a new double wall tank with circulating hot water in between. Depending on your desired temperature and actual tank material and design, using external hot water jackets or baffles adhered to the tank walls may also be possible without having to stop and empty it.
Guillermo Marrufo