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BR-102024017862-A2 - METAL CLEANING AND PROTECTION PROCESS

BR102024017862A2BR 102024017862 A2BR102024017862 A2BR 102024017862A2BR-102024017862-A2

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a process for cleaning residues and/or contaminants from metallic surfaces containing them. The present invention relates to a process for cleaning and protecting metals using three distinct and synergistically interconnected steps, which provide deep cleaning and preservation of the metallic substrate. The process is ideal for use on metallic surfaces susceptible to oxidation and the formation of unwanted deposits.

Inventors

  • LUCAS ROMEU NEDER

Assignees

  • LUCAS ROMEU NEDER

Dates

Publication Date
20260317
Application Date
20240830

Claims (7)

  1. 1. A process for cleaning and protecting metals characterized by comprising three consecutive steps, which include: - application of a neutral degreaser; - application of a pickling agent with a corrosion inhibitor; and - application of an alkaline remover.
  2. 2. Process, according to claim 1, characterized in that the neutral degreaser is formulated with a surfactant that is highly effective in removing surface grease.
  3. 3. Process according to claim 2, characterized in that the neutral degreaser is a combination of surfactants, alcohol, dyes and water.
  4. 4. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the pickling agent is enriched with a corrosion inhibitor for protection of the base metal.
  5. 5. Process according to claim 4, characterized in that the pickling agent is an amine-based corrosion inhibitor and iron reducers.
  6. 6. Process, according to claim 1, characterized in that the alkaline remover acts to neutralize the pH of the solution formed.
  7. 7. Process according to claim 6, characterized in that the alkaline remover is a composition of sodium bicarbonate and surfactants.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [01] The present invention relates generally to a process for cleaning residues and/or contaminants from metallic surfaces containing them, and in particular surfaces containing carbon steel and/or aluminum. BACKGROUND [02] The surface treatment of a metal surface typically consists of cleaning and activating the surface. [03] Document BR102018012184, for example, discloses an aqueous solution composition with applications in various pH ranges with the function of eliminating rust. The present invention patent presents a formulation of a product for cleaning and removing rust from objects made of ferrous metals. The formulation contains a solvent phase, a phase from the functional group of weak organic acids, a phase from the functional group of inorganic bases, a phase from the functional group of inorganic salts, a phase formed by organophosphonic acid, a phase formed by polyphosphate, a phase formed by a product synthesized from the biochemical oxidation of d-glucose, a phase formed by a product obtained by the etherification reaction of ethylene oxide, a phase formed by detergent and surfactant, a phase from the functional group of organic acids and a phase formed by a non-essential amino acid. [04] Document BR102016025428, in turn, reveals a method against hydrogen embrittlement of metal parts in the presence of hydrogen ions, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide or carbonic acid, more specifically a method for forming a protective layer against hydrogen embrittlement of metal parts, equipment and pipelines used in the oil and gas industry by means of physical-chemical plasma surface treatment, consisting of guiding ions and active species of atomic and molecular nitrogen to the surface of the material by applying a potential difference between two electrodes, interrupted periodically with a predetermined frequency, forming a compressive stress and a protective layer with high hardness and resistant to abrasive wear, fatigue, degradation, erosion and corrosion caused by fluids with the presence of hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water vapor and sulfur compounds, calcium carbonate and sodium chloride solutions. [05] Document EP0047404 discloses a detergent in the form of an aqueous solution, with degreasing and defatting action, containing organic surfactants, developed for cleaning metals and preventing rust and corrosion on parts, having a basic pH, not harmful to human skin, being able to be decomposed by microorganisms when discarded and, apparently, not generating major impacts on the environment, and its composition includes: water; a sucrose fatty acid ester; a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether; a chelating agent for metal ions; a petroleum sulfonic acid salt; and propylene glycol. [06] Finally, document US10731109 discloses a cleaning composition and process for cleaning residues and contaminants after chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a microelectronic device containing said residues and contaminants. The composition achieves highly effective cleaning of post-CMP residues and contaminant material from the surface of the microelectronic device without compromising the low k dielectric material or the copper interconnect material. [07] It is clear how much importance is given, in the state of the art, to different solutions for cleaning and protecting metals. SUMMARY [08] The present invention relates to a process for cleaning and protecting metals using three distinct and synergistically interconnected steps, which provide deep cleaning and preservation of the metallic substrate. The process is ideal for use on metallic surfaces susceptible to oxidation and the formation of unwanted deposits. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [09] The process according to the present invention is simple and ideal for use on metallic surfaces susceptible to oxidation and the formation of unwanted deposits, comprising three main and sequential steps. Step 1: Application of Neutral Degreaser [010] The process begins with the application of a neutral degreaser formulated with a surfactant. This degreaser is specifically developed to efficiently remove surface grease and other organic contaminants present on the metal surface, preparing it for subsequent treatment steps. The neutral degreaser, whose composition is known to those skilled in the art and consists of surfactants, alcohol, dyes, and water, ensures initial cleaning without damaging the integrity of the metal, maintaining its pH close to neutrality. Step 2: Application of Pickling Agent with Corrosion Inhibitor [011] In a second stage, an advanced pickling agent is used, specially formulated with an amine-based corrosion inhibitor and iron reducers. This compound is essential for removing iron oxides, which frequently form on the surface of metals exposed to the environment. The corrosion inhibitor plays a crucial role in protecting the base metal during the pickling process, preventing damage to the metallic substrate, while the oxide is e