SS304 Corrosion at Welds
SS304 Corrosion at Welds
(OP)
We have some "rust" at or near welds on SS304 tubing. The rust has formed right next to the weld and adjacent to the weld, both on the tube seam weld and the end plates we weld on. The material is all SS304 and we use SS308 weld wire. What is the easiest way of removing the "rust" in the field (China) and of keeping it from happening in the shop (USA)? Will wire brushing with SS wire brush do it? Is there some chemical tretment that will help? Many thanks!!





RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
Now, the important thing is how fast the weld areas cooled after welding, and the welding method has a major effect on this. The faster the weld cooled the better--unlike "regular" non-SS material. Torch (oxy-fuel) welding cools slow, because so much metal is heated. TIG/GTAW is next, while MIG/GMAW cools fastest. Given your thin parts, and the probablility they were MIG welded, they may have cooled fast enough so that the "rust" is merely cosmetic. If you don't want to wire brush them, you can use a strong solution of nitric acid (HNO3) on the areas. This will actually make the parts more resistant to future rusting. Just be careful and rinse it off after ~30 minutes. Make sure the acid is strong--not diluted much at all.
The other rust areas are most likely caused by contact with "regular" steel of some sort. They can be brushed with a SS brush or acid cleaned also.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
The max. C of regular 304/316 is 0.08%, while the L grades are ~.035 max. That small amount can make a huge difference during welding. Without getting too involved, the temp. the weld area must travel thru during cooling is very important around 1,200 deg. F. Above and below this temp zone, (~300 deg. wide) the cooling rate doesn't make much difference. If the weld area cools down thru there in a few seconds, then reg. 304/316 will be OK. As the C drops the critical time gets longer-several minutes if the C is below ~ 0.04%.
Brushing with a SS brush that has not been used on regular steels will remove surface tarnish, but if the weld zone (HAZ) has been sensitized (cooled too slowly) it won't resist future corrosion very well. If that is the case, it probably isn't practical to do anything about it in the field. The long. seam welds MAY have been heat-treated afterwards. Such a HT involves short times, but very high temps.-~1900 deg F (yellow hot). Then the parts are quenched in water-cold is preferred.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
The APIGUY....
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
In the now sensitized weld areas, will the nitric acid treatment restore the chromium oxide layer and thence the corrosion resistance?
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
I prefer the HNO3 despite its' hazards just from better results over the years.
Make sure the parts are cleaned/degreased prior to passivating.
20% HNO3 @ 50°/60°C for 30 minutes.
10% Citric Acid @ 66°C for 30 minutes
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
To encounter this problem, which is so easily avoided, makes me wonder if there isn't another factor. When you reply with your carbon level, tell us the sulfur level, too.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
After the fact the solution to sensitized material has to be heat treating to redissolve chromium carbides. Maybe someone out there has a technique they can recommend.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
i would suggest try a commercial H3PO4 cleaner/conditioner at full strength or very slightly diluted with distilled water, rubbed on with a Scotch Brite Pad, allowed to stand a few minutes then rinsed off.
If possible I would pickle it with the Citric Acid bath. This will require some sort of tank with a heater. HNO3 pickling could be done cold but I think too dangerous to personnel to handle and to disposed of.
If pickling is out of the question I would allow to dry thoroughly and coat it with the Shelia Shine or a rub with Semichrome polish to protect it until it gets in the tank.
I also would contact Cortec about an inhibitor to protect the overseas shipment.
http://www.sheilashineinc.com/index.htm
http://www.winterbrookfarm.com/restore.htm
www.cortec.com
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
1) Clean with an acid (nitric, citric or phosphatic)
2) Rinse and dry
3) Apply a cleaner or polisher
Questions:
1) Do I have the process correct?
2) Will it be necessary to wire brush to remove the rust?
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
It is much cheaper to own up to the fact that the structure is defective now, then it will be later when the customer sees what you have given himm. I would love to be his lawyer then.
Sensitization isn't a superficial problem to be treated with cleaners. This material is no longer stainless. If it can't be solution annealed, it is defective and shouldn't be used.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
I'm still working under the assumption that you have 304, not 304L, and therefore these weld HAF's may be sensitized. If that is incorrect, and you are merely dealing with heat tint, then it is superficial and can be removed as Unclesyd says and no lasting harm has been done.
If it's high carbon 304 and it is sensitized(it would look the same in both cases), then you have a non-superficial problem.
We can't tell you anything for certain without seeing the mill chemical analysis certification.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
1. Is the "rust" formation merely a cosmetic concern, or are you concerned with deep pitting/corrosion that could go all the way thru?
2. Does the rust occur during transit and/or in the field?
3. Is water or water vapor present during use/layup?
4. Can you have a met. lab. perform a simple A-262 Part A test for sensitization? If you're real lucky, and your chem. isn't too bad, you may not have sensit. SS after all--because of how thin your parts are and the MIG welding process.
We all need more info from you!
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
It is more likely that the superficial rusting is from oxidation during welding. You need to check part cleaning prior to weld and shield gas.
A pickling paste or acid bath will fix this.
Try this site http://www.oakite.com/
You are trying to remove any surface oxides, the Cr depeated layer below them and any surface imbedded Fe from handling. And then leave a pasivated surface afterwards.
My big concern is that you haven't seen this before. Have you not looked, or is there something different with the materials/process on this job?
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Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
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RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
I think that you are on the right track though. The shippemnt of these gave much more chance for this to happen.
You still need to come up with a real solution though.
Proper cleaning and a rust preventitive would be cheap insurance.
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Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
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RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
The sulfur level is also troubling. It, too, will lead to premature corrosion pits in the base metal adjacent to the weld where melting, but not mixing occur.
There will quite possibly be a corrosion perforation of these parts.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
I would use the H3PO4 as outlined due to being less hazardous.
You can experiment with the H3PO4 and you might be able to spray it on with a plastic garden sprayer and maybe with a light rub be in good shape to rinse.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
The S cuts both ways. The material is much easier to weld with the S, it increases weld fluidity. But if you overheat the welds it can lead to serious pitting issues.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
We prepare to weld by wire brushing with SS brush and clean the parts with an alcohol soaked rag, then dry with a dry-to-damp rag. The wire brushes are not new - they are used mostly for preparing aluminum for welding but never for preparing carbon steel for welding. We MIG weld using 0.030 SS-308-L wire and gas that is 90% He, 7.5% Ar, 2.5% CO2. After the weld is completed we wire brush then fill the tube with shop air to 20 psi and do a bubble test using soapy water ( 7:1 Ivory liquid ). After testing, all but 5 psi is let out of the tube and it is held for shipment either in the shop or outside, stacked on other SS pontoons.
Pickling is pretty much out of the question. I'm thinking that we should:
1) Find a substitute for alcohol
2) Use new wire brushes
3) Find a substitute for soapy water
4) After pressure testing, wipe on H3PO4, let sit for 5 minutes, wipe off with water, dry with rags then apply a polish.
Questions:
1) Where do I get H3PO4 ( what is it ? )
2) What is the best polish
3) Is a phosphoric based whell brightener a good final polish?
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
H3PO4 is phosphoric acid. I would suggest that you contact a company that makes paste for cleaning after welding.
Yes, use clean brushes. You can get all sorts of weld porosity and cracking issues from low melting metals in welds.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
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RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
There are two factors that contribute. One is the material composition. 0.074% C is 50%~85% above the maximium.
The other is the shielding gas used. Helium is not the preferred shielding gas for stainless steel (great for ally) because more heat is generated in the arc plasma than argon based shielding gas. This translates into a hotter than neccessary weld.
In an earlier post it was mentioned the rusting problem has not previously been noticed. The fact that this time rust has been noticed and it is confirmed the specs are for 304 not 304L should send the alarm bells ringing.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
We never expeced to have 304L as we never ordered it - now or in the past. We will in the future. What shielding gas mixture would you recommend? We had not had the rusting problem before but I looked at material certs for previous orders and the C% was the same.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
1) Investigate welding gas mixture without He
2) Use new wire brushes or those only for SS
3) Find an alternative to soap
4) Find an alternative to alcohol
5) Dry the parts after welding
6) After drying, with a Scotch Brite Pad, rub Shelia Shine, Semichrome or some other Phosphate based cleaner / polisher
7) Wait 2-3 minutes then rinse off the polish with water and dry. Or leave on if the polish directions allow.
8) Look for ways to reduce the heat input to the weld
9) Get a sample of the welded material tested to A-262 Part A test for sensitization
10) Change to SS304L when possible
Am I on the right track?
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
What is the best shield gas for MIG welding 304 SS?
Thread725-96369
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
GMAW is not too particular.
It would cost less to use 90%Ar-10%He.
If you go to no-He your torch will run hotter and your welds will be wider (less penetration).
You can still use Alcohol to clean. But use small containers and keep them closed as much as possible. Your guys doing weld prep should have to get fresh alcohol a few times per shift. That will minimize moisture.
Steps 2,3,6-10 are the way to go.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
Gas Fact. Argon 3% CO2.
Range 2 - 4% CO2. (SG-AC-3)
Against the forces of aggressive gas salesmanship, fifteen years ago while working with AGA , I developed this gas mix for MIG stainless,
For the last 15 years I have been advising companies to use argon with 3% CO2. Instead of argon oxygen for stainless spray applications,
the argon 3 CO2 mix results in cleaner spray or pulsed welds with less weld porosity potential.
For the same period of time I have been advising people to forget the common, more costly 90 helium - 7.5 argon - 2.5 CO2 tri mix, and instead use the more effective argon 3% CO2 mix for those "thin gage" stainless short circuit applications.
In contrast to the costly helium tri mix recommended by all the major gas companies , there are six short circuit benefits attained from using the argon - 3 CO2 mix which provides lower weld energy with lower weld voltages; When used for "low carbon" stainless applications, the carbon content in the weld will be acceptable with this gas mix for both short circuit and spray applications.
In contrast to the more costly, higher energy, helium tri-mix, the argon - 3% CO2 mix when used on thin gage applications can provide;
[1] less part distortion,
[2] less weld burnthrough potential,
[3] less contact tip issues,
[4] improved arc stability,
[5] lower cost gas,
[6] more gas in the cylinders.
In today's North American weld industry in which gas marketing and gas sales strategy often has more in common with Disney Land than it has with MIG arc physics. It's been an uphill struggle to get the practical benefits of my two component CO2 message across. Try these mixes they works, are less costs and you get more gas from the cylinders.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
The use of 308L will give you nice welds, but do nothing to prevent the formation of grain boundary carbides in the base metal near the welds.
I think that the comment about high carbon was related to using 0.025 or 0.030 as limits to help assure minimal sensitization.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
Since the temperatures are near the melting temperature at just the mating edges, there is a HAZ (heat Affected Zone) about the seam which varies in microscopic structure depending on the cooling methods used and if the tube manufacturer anneals the tube after welding. The steel goes thru all three phase that we all learned about when we studied steel in our materials class in engineering.
Besides annealing a tubing manufacturer can also metalize the OD with SS Spray metal deposition. As you can see, you need to buy your tubing from a reliable tube distributor or manufacturer who can give you extactly what you want he they know the exact conditions that you will subject the tubing to.
Tubing manufacturers do allow the process to drift out of control and get wider HAZ band than normal and get different steel structure by less than optimal cooling. This ca happen when shift and operators change. The tubing you mention is typically made at a line speed of 200-300 feet/minute.
While and Eddy Current device can detect gross seam defects and Flux Leakage detector is the industry standard because it is calibrated to detect pin holes as small as 1/64". The line is setup to automatically discard the tubing length if the hole is detected without shutting down the continuous operation of the line. The tubing is cut to length at +200 FPM with a tolerance of +/- 1/32"
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
A few questions for you: is the HF induction method you've mentioned the same as the electrical resistance welding (ERW) method? Are these usually fillerless welds, or is filler metal sometimes used? Is scrafing (scarfing?) always used, or is the weld sometimes forged into shape? If the tubing is annealed after welding, does the HAZ and associated problems disappear?
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
Future orders will be for SS304L.
Does that make a difference?
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
TIG welds must be annealed in 304 to minimize ( but not eliminate) the detrimental effect which as-solidified metal, as opposed to the wrought parent metal, has on corrosion resistance. In 316 this effect can be 20C on the critical pitting temperature depending largely on the metal's sulfur level.
Laser welded pipe is the best because the molten zone is miniscule and the resulting quench is so rapid that there is no diminution of corrosion resistance.
High frequency welded carbon steel pipe is common as is the lower quality butt welded.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
http://www.derustit.com/products.htm
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RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds
If you intend to use these flotation devices in marine service, 304 and 304L SS are inappropriate choices. A very short service life must be expected. You can easily determine if weld HAZ sensitization has occurred, as I and many others in the forum suspect, through metallographic examination, which I urge you to do.
When welding thin stainless steels, heat is transferred away from the joint through conduction unidirectionally, which promotes slow cooling and subsequent chromium depletion through formation of chromium carbides adjacent to the grain boundaries in the HAZ. Convection cooling due to the gas shielding and purging during welding do not appear to be adequate to compensate. To aid in more rapid cooling, you can try copper or aluminum heat sinks adjacent to the weld as well as back purging with helium (an excellent heat transfer medium).
Very likely, the only way to salvage the produced items is to paint/coat the welds if sensitization has indeed ocurred.
RE: SS304 Corrosion at Welds