PE-120 – Citric Acid Passivate Cleaner (10% Solution)
For GROUND SHIPPING ONLY; chemicals CANNOT be AIR SHIPPED.
Details
PE-120 – Citric Acid Passivate Cleaner (10% Solution)
PE-120 is a citric acid–based passivation cleaner formulated to remove free iron contamination, light oxidation, and surface residues from stainless steel components while restoring their natural corrosion resistance. The solution is prepared as a 10% citric acid mixture with deionized water, providing a consistent, ready-to-use formulation for precision cleaning and passivation applications.
Citric acid passivation works by dissolving embedded iron particles and contaminants from the stainless steel surface. Once these contaminants are removed, the chromium in the alloy is able to form a stable chromium oxide layer that protects the metal from corrosion and rust formation.
PE-120 is particularly effective in immersion and ultrasonic cleaning systems, where ultrasonic cavitation allows the solution to penetrate small crevices, blind holes, and complex geometries that are difficult to reach with conventional cleaning methods.
Typical Applications
Stainless steel machined components
Medical device parts
Aerospace and precision manufacturing components
Food processing equipment
Laboratory hardware and fittings
Fabricated or welded stainless steel assemblies
Key Features
10% citric acid solution prepared with deionized water
Designed for stainless steel cleaning and passivation
Effective removal of free iron and light oxidation
Helps restore the protective chromium oxide layer
Compatible with immersion and ultrasonic cleaning systems
Supplied ready to use in 5-gallon containers
Advantages Over Nitric Acid Passivation
Citric acid passivation offers a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional nitric acid processes. It eliminates hazardous nitric fumes, simplifies handling and waste disposal, and provides reliable corrosion protection for stainless steel components.
PE-120 provides manufacturers with a simple, effective solution for improving the corrosion resistance and cleanliness of stainless steel parts used in demanding industrial applications.
SHIPPING NOTE: Chemicals can only be shipped to destinations within the continental U. S. and Canada. Sorry, but they cannot be air shipped.
Resources
CAUTION
Do not use alcohol, gasoline, bleach, mineral acids, solutions with a flash point, semi-aqueous or combustible liquids in ultrasonic tanks, or you will void the warranty. Only use non-flammable solutions and water-based solutions.
SOLUTION TYPES
Water-based solutions can be either slightly acidic or alkaline. They include detergents, soaps and industrial cleaners designed to remove specific soils.
Acidic water-based solutions: remove rust, tarnish or scale, They range from mild solutions that remove tarnish, to concentrated, inhibited acidic solutions that remove investment plaster, milk-stone, zinc oxide and rust from steel and cast iron as well as smut and heat-treat scale from hardened steel.
Alkaline water-based solutions: remove oil, grease, coolants, waxes, including carbonates, silicates and caustics. These cause emulsifying action, which keeps soil from redepositing on the cleaned surface, and improves cleaning action in hard water.
Change the cleaning solution periodically. Cleaning solutions can become contaminated with suspended soil particles which coat the tank bottom. This coating dampens the ultrasonic action and reduces cleaning efficiency. Certain solutions will cavitate better than others.
Heat and cavitation increases the chemical activity of cleaning solutions. Some materials may be damaged by this stronger chemical action. When in doubt, test run samples of items to be cleaned.
Caustic solutions: used to remove rust from steels, metal alloy corrosion and a variety of tenacious soils.
SOLUTION AMOUNTS
Solution amounts may vary. The amount you use depends on the detergent and the type of soil to be removed. Follow instructions on the solution container and refer to the next tab's table for the effects of solutions on metals.
APPLICATION DATA
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