WHY USE CELCO PASSIVATION SERVICES?
CELCO specializes in passivation of stainless steel alloys and nickel alloys. We can handle most any shape or size including vessels, framework, plumbing manifolds and piping. We have the capability of Passivating large containments on site utilizing our Mobile Passivation Servicing Unit. CELCO is a regulatory control company. Each JOB has a traveler which traces the part from arrival to departure.

The first step in the passivation process at CELCO is INSPECTION! We inspect EVERY part for cleanliness prior to the Passivation process. CELCO inspects for hydrocarbons such as grease, oil, lubricants, forming compounds, cutting fluids, wax markings as well as metallic residue and other contaminates which would affect the Passivation Process. CELCO also inspects for QUALITY of material and welds. The next step is the Passivation bath. There are two types of Passivation chemical baths available at CELCO, Nitric Acid based solutions and Citric Acid based solutions. The most widely accepted commercially, are the Nitric based solutions. Most Passivation procedures are performed per ASTM-A380 or ASTM-A967 or specifications provided by our clients with the same high level of controls.

CELCO is known as one of the country's leading passivation firms. We take great pride in the packaging of the components. Our experience includes hundreds of projects for companies in the following industries; Chemical, Food Processing, Pharmaceutical, Aerospace, Medical Appliances and Computer Hardware. Add our willingness to take on projects that have proven too difficult for others… and you have a cost-effective and efficient team resolving your demanding projects.

BENEFITS OF CELCO’S PASSIVATION SERVICES:

• A reliable team to that is willing to help you with your Passivation goals for any project.

• CELCO has the ability to Pickle-Passivate components to remove discoloration left from heat treating and welding.

• CELCO has the capability to test for passivity on site.

• Passivation provides a clean surface.

• CELCO has a Mobile Passivation Servicing Unit to provide Passivation services for all your in house needs.

WHAT IS PASSIVATION?
Passivation is defined as a non-electrical process that chemically removes the free iron from the surface of stainless steel and other alloys and in many cases is the preferred process in a corrosion control program. While not as efficient as electropolishing, Chemical Passivation is a more economical alternative, and in some cases may be the only means of passivating a surface. There are those who disagree about the theory of chemical passivation. The debate is whether it is the super chemical cleaning process or the thin oxide film that is the result of the chemical passivation that makes the surface corrosion resistant. No matter what side of the argument you stand on, the end result is the same. THE PROCESS OF PASSIVATION WORKS! The chemical passivation of stainless steel and other alloys have been tested by many diverse methods including, a copper sulfate bath and corrosion tests using a water bath, salt spray, temperature and humidity variations.

Passivation FAQ’s;

Q: Does Passivation produce a smooth finish on the surface of the component?

A: Passivation does not produce a smoother finish. The passivation process removes iron and creates an oxide layer, which increases the surface RA slightly.


Q: Does Passivation remove weld burn and scale?

A: CELCO performs a process called Pickle-Passivation in which the weld burn, scale and other stains are removed.


Q: How deep into the material does the Passivation process go?

A: A normal passivation procedure will affect 0.0002” deep into the material.


Q: Does Nitric Passivation create a permanent Passive surface?

A: Stainless steel by nature is corrosion resistant, after stainless steel is passivated it is even more corrosion resistant because of the iron removal from the surface and the oxide layer produced by the passivation process. This protective oxide layer can be damaged or removed by abrasion or exposure to some elements. But overall, passivated surfaces are very durable.