Waukesha
Cherry-Burrell Products: Fittings
Care
of Stainless Steel
The stainless steel
components in Cherry-Burrell equipment are machined, welded,
and assembled by skilled craftsmen using manufacturing methods
that preserve the corrosion-resistant quality of the stainless
steel. Retention of corrosion-resistant qualities under processing
conditions requires regular attention to the precautions listed
below.
Note: Corrosion
resistance is greatest when a layer of oxide film is formed
on the surface of stainless steel; should this film be disturbed
or destroyed, stainless steel becomes active and much less
resistant to corrosion.
-
Regularly
check all electrical devices connected to the equipment in
any way for stray currents caused by improper grounding,
damaged insulation, or other defects.
Corrosion: “Pitting” often
occurs when stray currents come in contact with moist stainless
steel.
-
Never leave
rubber mats, fittings, wrenches, etc. in contact with stainless
steel.
Corrosion: Pitting
or galvanic action. Objects retard complete drying,
preventing air from reforming the protective oxide
film. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar
metals touch when wet.
-
Use water
conditioner when the water supply contains foreign matter
which may cause discoloration or deposits.
Corrosion: Pitting,
deposits, discoloration. Deposits counteract the
best cleaning practices and cause corrosion of
the best quality stainless steel.
-
Immediately
rinse equipment after use with warm water until the rinse
water is clear. Clean the equipment (manual or CIP) as soon
as possible after rinsing.
Corrosion: Discoloration,
deposits, pitting. Product deposits often cause pitting beneath
the particles.
-
Use only
recommended cleaning compounds. Purchase chemicals from reputable
and responsible chemical manufacturers who are familiar with
stainless steel processing equipment. They continuously check
the effects of their products on stainless steel.
-
Use cleaning
chemicals exactly as specified by the manufacturer. Do not
use excessive concentrations, temperatures or exposure times.
Corrosion: Pitting,
discoloration, stress cracks. Permanent damage
often occurs from excessive chemical concentrations,
temperatures, or exposure times.
-
For manual
cleaning, use only soft non-metallic brushes, sponges or
pads. Brush with the grain on polished surfaces; avoid scratching
the surface.
Corrosion: Pitting,
scratches. Metal brushes or sponges will scratch
the surface and promote corrosion over a period
of time. Metal particles allowed to remain on a
stainless steel surface will cause pitting.
-
Use chemical
bactericides exactly as prescribed by the chemical manufacturer
in concurrence with local health authority. Use the lowest
permissible concentration, temperature, and exposure time
possible. Flush immediately after bactericidal treatment.
In no case should the solution be in contact with stainless
steel more than 20 minutes.
Corrosion: Protective
film destroyed. Chlorine and other halogen bactericides
can destroy the protective film. A few degrees
increase in temperature greatly increases chemical
activity and accelerates corrosion.
-
Regularly
inspect the joints in pipelines. Be sure all connections
are tight fitting without binding.
Corrosion: Crevice
corrosion. Small crevices caused by improperly
seated gaskets will promote crevice corrosion.
Stainless steel under stress will develop stress
cracking especially in the presence of bactericides
containing chlorine.
-
Regularly
inspect equipment for surface corrosion (i.e. pitting, deposits,
stress cracks, etc.). If deposit or color corrosion is detected,
remove it immediately using mild scouring powder and detergents.
Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Review production
and cleaning procedures to determine the cause.
Note: If
corrosion is not removed, the protective film cannot
be restored and corrosion will continue at an accelerated
rate.
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