TPi May 2016

business & market news

Removing hydrofluoric acid from the pickling process

system of this class of materials. A problem that presented itself initially was linked to an early ageing of the solution, with the consequent increase of waste for the replacement of the tank and the production of sludge for disposal. The quantity of sludge, following the improvement of the procedure, became comparable to that obtained using the traditional process. Thanks to these initial studies, the use of hydrofluoric acid in the pickling process has been eliminated, and on a laboratory scale, the process also recorded a decrease in working time of 70 per cent. Following a successful test phase, the project continued with the pilot phase. In October 2015 Rivit proceeded with the construction of a mini-plant for testing, in order to verify the new process and the electrolytic solution on non-flat samples, taking into account the geometric factor, which could cause problems of electrical fields tangential to the surface, and their response on different families of alloys. The small

Started in 2014 and part-funded by EU, through the LIFE programme, the three-year project HFreelifepickling aims to eliminate the use of hydrofluoric acid in the pickling process used to make corrosion-resistant large tubes for building pipes for the oil and gas sector. The companies that have promoted and developed the project are Rivit, an Italian manufacturer of pipes and fittings in stainless steel and special alloys, and Henkel, a German chemical multinational, together with a public body – the Province of Vicenza – whose main task is verifying performance with respect to environmental impact and health of workers. The first phase has particularly involved the Italian laboratories of Henkel in the province of Milan. For around a year, the chemical company has researched a new electrolytic solution that would allow effective pickling without the use of hydrofluoric acid – a component almost always present in the treatment

The mini-plant for testing the new pickling process without the use of hydrofluoric acid

plant has allowed a more accurate estimate of the effectiveness of the treatment on the tubular geometry and the powers in play. As a result of these tests, the partners obtained the fundamental measurements in order to minimise the energy consumption and to study the best design for maximising the production capacity of the pilot plant that will be built by the end of 2016. HFreelifepickling will end in mid-2017. The main innovation of the project will favour a lower environmental impact on a large scale. It will ensure greater safety for operators employed in pickling departments, and a reduction in working time of 70 per cent.

HFreelifepickling – Italy www.hfreelifepickling.eu

Rivit SpA – Italy info@rivit.com www.rivit.com

Henkel AG & Co KGaA – Germany www.henkel.com

Henkel, Rivit, Province of Vicenza and European Union representatives at the Henkel headquarters in Milan, in October 2015 Weld Revolution director

Bryan George

strategies and strategic alliance opportunities for Weld Revolution in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Weld Revolution has announced the appointment of BryanGeorge as director, business development, reporting to Eric Christofferson, president. As a member of the executive team at Weld Revolution, Mr George will be responsible for identifying and leading strategic business development, in addition to implementing commercial

He has more than thirty years’ experi- ence in the welding industry.

Weld Revolution LLC – USA info@weldrevolution.com www.weldrevolution.com

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Tube Products International May 2016

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