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 SSPC-SP 8
November 1, 1982
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 8

Pickling

1. Scope 5. Pickling Methods and Operation

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the 5.1 BEFORE PICKLING, PERFORM THE FOLLOWING:
pickling of steel surfaces.
5.1.1 Remove heavy deposits of oil, grease, soil, drawing
2. Definition compounds, and foreign matter other than rust, scale, or oxide
by any of the methods specified in SSPC-SP 1. Small quantities
2.1 Pickling is a method of preparing steel surfaces by of such foreign matter may be removed in the pickling tanks
chemical reaction, electrolysis, or both. The surfaces when provided no detrimental residue remains on the surface.
viewed without magnification shall be free of all visible mill
scale and rust. 5.1.2 Remove heavy deposits of rust, rust scale, and all
paint by any one of the methods specified in SSPC-SP 2, SP
3. Appearance of the Completed Surface 3, SP 6, SP 7, SP 14, or SP 11. Rust deposits which can be
removed without unduly prolonging the pickling time may be
removed in the pickling tanks.
3.1 The surface shall be etched to a degree suitable for
the specified painting system.
5.2 REMOVE ALL MILL SCALE AND RUST BY ANY OF
THE FOLLOWING PICKLING METHODS:
3.2 Uniformity of color may be affected by the grade, origi-
nal surface condition, and configuration of the material being
5.2.1 Pickling in hot or cold solutions of sulfuric, hydrochloric
cleaned, as well as by discolorations from mill or fabrication
(muriatic), or phosphoric acid to which sufficient inhibitor has
marks, and the shadowing from etching patterns.
been added to minimize attack on the base metal, followed
by adequate rinsing in hot water above 140 ˚F (60˚C).
3.3 Visual standards of surface preparation agreed upon
by the contracting parties may be used to further define the
5.2.2 Pickling in 5%-10% (by weight) sulfuric acid, con-
surface.
taining an inhibitor, at a minimum of 140˚F (60˚C) until all rust
and scale is removed; then thorough rinsing in clean water,
4. Referenced Standards
then immersion for one to five minutes in 1%-2% (by weight)
phosphoric acid containing about 0.3%-0.5% iron phosphate,
4.1 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the refer-
at a temperature of about 180˚F (82˚C).
enced standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall
govern, unless otherwise specified. 5.2.3 Pickling in 5% (by volume) sulfuric acid at 170-180˚F
(77-82˚C), with sufficient inhibitor added to minimize attack on
4.2 If there is a conflict between the requirements of any the base metal, until all rust and scale is removed, followed by
of the cited referenced standards and this specification, the a two minute rinse in hot water at 170-180˚F (77-82˚C). Next,
requirements of this specification shall prevail. immerse the pickled and rinsed steel for at least two minutes
in a hot, inhibitive solution maintained above 190˚F (88˚C) and
4.3 SSPC AND JOINT SPECIFICATIONS: containing about 0.75% sodium dichromate and about 0.5%
orthophosphoric acid.
SP 1 Solvent Cleaning
SP 2 Hand Tool Cleaning 5.2.4 Electrolytic pickling in an acid or an alkaline bath
SP 3 Power Tool Cleaning using alternating or direct current. If (when using direct current)
SP 6/NACE No. 3 Commercial Blast Cleaning the work-piece is made the cathode, hydrogen embrittlement
SP 7/NACE No. 4 Brush-Off Blast Cleaning must be prevented or minimized by adequate treatment. If
SP 11 Power Tool Cleaning to Bare carried out in an alkaline bath, the electrolytic pickling must be
Metal followed by a thorough rinse in hot water; then followed by a
SP 14/NACE No. 8 Industrial Blast Cleaning dip in a dilute solution of phosphoric acid, or chromic acid, or

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SSPC-SP 8
November 1, 1982
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

solution of dichromate until no trace of alkali remains on the procedure established in the procurement documents (project
surface. specification) shall be followed. If no arbitration or settlement
procedure is established, then a procedure mutually agree-
5.2.5 “Hydride” descaling, pickling in baths of acid salts, able to purchaser and material supplier (or contractor) shall
pickling in baths of molten salts, or pickling in any other man- be used.
ner than outlined in the preceding sections shall be permitted
only when specified, since their details are beyond the scope 7. Disclaimer
of this specification.
7.1 While every precaution is taken to ensure that all
5.3 Do not exceed a dissolved iron content of 6% in sulfuric information furnished in SSPC standards and specifications is
acid baths, or 10% in hydrochloric (muriatic) acid baths. as accurate, complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot
assume responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from
5.4 Use only clean water or steam condensate for solutions the use of any materials, coatings, or methods specified herein,
and rinses. Supply rinse tanks continuously with new water. or of the specification or standard itself.
Do not permit the total amount of acid or dissolved salts due to
carry-over to exceed two grams per liter (0.2% by weight). 7.2 This specification does not attempt to address problems
concerning safety associated with its use. The user of this
5.5 To minimize carry-over, suspend all steel briefly over specification, as well as the user of all products or practices
the acid tank from which it has been withdrawn and permit the described herein, is responsible for instituting appropriate
major portion of the acid to drain. health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance with
all governmental regulations.
5.6 Remove deleterious smut, unreacted acid or alkali,
metal deposits, or other contaminants. 8. Notes
5.7 Do not stack pickled steel surfaces in contact with one
Notes are not requirements of this specification.
another until completely dry.

8.1 A Commentary Section is available and contains ad-

5.8 Apply paint before visible rusting occurs.
ditional information and data relevant to this specification. The
Surface Preparation Commentary, SSPC-SP COM, is not part
6. Inspection
of this specification. The table below lists the subjects discussed
relevant to pickling and appropriate Commentary Section.
6.1 Unless otherwise specified in the procurement docu-
ments, the contractor or material supplier is responsible for
Subject Commentary Section
quality control to assure that the requirements of this document
are met. Work and materials supplied under this standard are
Film Thickness ....................................................10
also subject to inspection by the purchaser or an authorized
Inhibitors .............................................................8.4
representative. Materials and work areas shall be accessible
Rust Back ...........................................................4.5
to the inspector
Weld Spatter....................................................4.4.1
Visual Standards ................................................. 11
6.2 Conditions not complying with this standard shall be
corrected. In the case of a dispute, an arbitration or settlement

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