A new pre-descaling process creates cost minimizing potentials in steel production while simultaneously increasing efficiency, surface quality and environmental compatibility of conventional pickling lines. By utilizing hydroabrasive descaling the scale is perforated to create a crack area ratio. As a result, the speed of acid attack is significantly accelerated without harming the steel substrate. Pilot tests demonstrate that a further reduction of the environmental footprint of chemical pickling lines is feasible. The transfer of the presented results into industral applications is made in cooperation with Sundwig GmbH.

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