Development of hydrochloric acid pickling of steel in India

Muriatic acid pickling of steel, which is steadily replacing conventional sulphuric acid for pickling, is of particular interest to India as it will substitute for widely used sulphuric acid derived from imported sulphur. The paper reviews the experimental work, which is under way at the National Metallurgical Laboratory to develop a process suited to Indian condition from among various techniques of pickling. The regeneration of waste liquor, and the possible production of iron powder as a useful by product are also under consideration. Techniques for the conversion of existing sulphuric acid facilities to hydrochloric acid pickling have also been described. (Shri D.D. Akerkar, Design Engineer and Shri M.J. Shahani, Scientist and Head of the Design & Engineering Division, National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur)