Surface lead removal from steel
Surface lead removal from steel
(OP)
I have a large steel structure (the surface of concern is ASTM A572) that has been tempered in an oven at ~1200 deg F. Accidentally, a considerable amount of lead was left on the surface before the heat treatment. The lead subsequently melted and contaminated the surface of the steel (non-contact test show areas as high as 2% by weight of lead). Materials science is not my background (nor that of my coworkers) and I was hoping someone here would have experience in this area. We have tried to grind/sand the area but the numbers are still higher than we'd like.
Is there a process/service I could employ to remove the lead from the contaminated areas? Any leads? Thanks in advance.
Is there a process/service I could employ to remove the lead from the contaminated areas? Any leads? Thanks in advance.





RE: Surface lead removal from steel
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
It was a lead weight (the kind you would use as a sinker while fishing) not solder. I can't speak to the composition of it, but my understanding is it was primarily made of lead. Quantitatively I don't know how much surface material we could remove. We would, however, want to minimize that amount as best we can.
In my preliminary research I've found hobbyists using a 50/50 mix of household hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to remove lead deposits from steel barrels of guns. They let it sit for 2-3 minutes, rinse it with water and then use a stiff brush to remove it... would this be a possible solution? My ignorance is showing, but it seems it oxidizes (?) the metal deposits, allowing them to be easily removed with the brush. It may cause small amounts of rusting on the surrounding steel surface but they may acceptable given that the lead is mostly removed. Can anyone speak to that?
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
I would also look into methods for analyzing lead content, particularly for the method used ("third party's steel-mill's equipment isn't very helpful). Some non-contact methods can be very misleading in their results. Maybe you should re-check the result using a different method?
rp
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
I believe very important advice has been given.
Must do testing as given above. to be sure complete removal.
HTH
Mfgenggear
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
Very nice. Have you applied an XRF?
what is the accuracy?
Thanks
Mfgenggear
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
Results are typically mg/cm2.
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
you might want to try grit blasting to remove the lead but I would not try that on the actual part without prior testing because it might just make the Lead more adherent.
Design for RELIABILITY, manufacturability, and maintainability
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
From a health and safety standpoint, you will need containment and collection of the dust plus supplied air for your blasters, a decon area, et cetera if you try to grit blast the lead off. I know when lead paint is blasted off of a bridge, there are a host of lead-safe practices and training required.
Unless the OP has prior experience with blasting lead, this is a rabbit hole I would not go down.
RE: Surface lead removal from steel
Maui
www.EngineeringMetallurgy.com