Cleaning Stainless Steel Heat Transport Systems for Liquid Metal Service Available to Purchase

Austenitic stainless steel is maintained in a clean and dry condition during fabrication and installation of liquid metal (sodium) heat transport systems which are designed to operate at elevated temperatures. An understanding of cleaning agent actions on the metal is necessary for pumps, valves, vessels, piping, fittings, and other components comprising these systems. Control of cleaning and cleanliness operations is required, starting with the steel manufacturing and proceeding through the material forming and component fabrication to delivery and erection by field installation contractors. A variety of cleaning processes are used by manufacturers, including alkaline solutions, cleaning solvents, alcohol washes, and mechanical surface cleaning, followed by appropriate rinsing methods.