The Behavior of the Ferric Ion During Chemical Cleaning

The dissolution of many scales and deposits gives rise to the ferric ion in the solvent used for chemical cleaning. It is generally recognized that the ferric ion may be highly corrosive (under some conditions) to the equipment being cleaned as well as to the pumps and lines used to circulate the solvent. However, a review of many engineering specifications for chemical cleaning indicates the behavior of the ferric ion is not properly understood. This behavior of the ferric ion has been categorized into three empirical classifications herein for easier understanding of an otherwise rather complex subject.