I must be missing something here. This is not a topic I deal with as part of my regular job, but unless the post- fabrication pickle/passivate treatment is conducted only on localized spots on the surface (such as at welds), or unless the components are all mechanically fastened, why is there an advantage to buying pickled+passivated pipe which will then be fabricated by welding or other means? Assuming the entire surface is treated after fabrication, what benefit does use of surface treatment before fabrication acheive?