Pickling Tanks: Industrial-Grade Metal Surface Treatment
Expert Solutions from Moon Fabricating Corporation
Since 1923, Moon Fabricating Corporation has been a single-source provider of custom fabrication solutions in Kokomo, Indiana. Our pickling tanks represent the pinnacle of corrosion resistance technology, providing industrial facilities with reliable protection against harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, and demanding operational conditions.
By 1970, Moon Fabricating Corporation had emerged as one of the largest applicators of corrosion resistant lining products in the nation, having expanded to include monolithic fiberglass reinforced linings and specialty coatings. Today, we continue that tradition of excellence with our premium pickling tank solutions.
Why Choose Moon’s Pickling Tanks?
Meet even the most demanding metal surface treatment requirements with our strong, durable, and flexible pickling tanks. Whether you need stainless steel pickling facilities or specialized metal finishing systems, Moon Fabricating Corporation is your go-to source for premier products.
Our pickling tanks deliver multiple advantages that protect your equipment and improve operational efficiency:
Superior Corrosion Resistance
Over time, metal and other products can break down when liquid or moisture in a system causes corrosion. That can result in contaminants getting into a product material, or other kinds of issues. Our pickling tanks create an impermeable barrier between your tank and the contents, preventing direct contact that leads to degradation.
Extended Equipment Life
To prevent this type of situation, apply a secondary tank lining to make sure that the installation is sealed and resistant, and will maintain its integrity over time. This is a basic part of good stewardship for systems that cost companies a lot of money, and require upfront capital outlays to support the enterprise.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Without secondary liners, a tank may need repainting or re-sealing at certain intervals. This can be extremely expensive, depending on various factors such as whether a tank is situated on the ground or up in the air. To eliminate or decrease these kinds of costs, install a secondary tank lining so that the interior surface will last longer without expensive maintenance. This can lower staff costs, or the cost of outside assistance.
Improved Operational Appearance
These types of linings also make systems cleaner and allow them to present better to outside visitors or auditors. For instance, if a certain area of core operations is slated for a tour or presentation, having these types of installations in place can make a difference in how impressive the business infrastructure looks. Linings and other accessories can also make operations “cleaner” and help promote a higher sanitary standard.
Moon’s Advanced Pickling Process
Moon Fabricating utilizes high-pressure steam vulcanization to provide superior bonding and cure of rubber linings for our pickling tanks. This critical process ensures that our tanks comply with the safety standards outlined in ASTM D7602 while providing maximum chemical resistance for metal surface treatments.
Our 12-foot diameter by 40-foot deep vulcanizer will accommodate larger components as required. To provide a more economic alternative for smaller pieces, we utilize our 2-foot, 6-inch diameter by 30-foot deep vulcanizer and pass the savings along to you. Vulcanization is controlled utilizing state-of-the-art electronic monitoring.
Our superior pickling tank technology offers several benefits:
- Enhanced bonding between the rubber and metal substrate
- Optimized curing that maximizes performance properties
- Precise quality control through electronic monitoring
- Size versatility for both large and small components
Types of Pickling Solutions We Offer
Moon Fabricating Corporation offers different types of pickling tanks for everything from small-scale applications to large industrial metal processing systems. Get a customized pickling solution to match any installation, and keep your physical equipment in better condition.
Our comprehensive range of pickling solutions includes:
Sulfuric Acid Pickling Tanks
Sulfuric acid is one of the most widely used pickling chemicals in industrial metal treatment. Our sulfuric acid pickling tanks are specifically designed to handle this aggressive chemical:
- Custom carbon steel tanks with specially formulated rubber linings for concentrated acid applications
- Corrosion-resistant designs that prevent hydrogen gas generation from metal contact
- Strategic ventilation systems to manage temperature and pressure
- Secondary containment systems that comply with NFPA 30 requirements to prevent environmental contamination
For sulfuric acid applications, we recommend specialized rubber linings with enhanced chemical resistance properties that provide excellent protection with superior temperature and chemical resistance.
Hydrochloric Acid Pickling Tanks
Hydrochloric acid presents unique challenges due to its corrosive properties and vapor generation. Our hydrochloric acid pickling solutions feature:
- Specialized rubber linings with proven resistance to HCl at various concentrations
- Enhanced ventilation systems to manage HCl-generated vapors
- Premium component materials including PVC fittings, Hastelloy-C bolts, and Viton® gaskets
- Comprehensive secondary containment solutions
For concentrated hydrochloric acid pickling applications, we utilize high-quality natural rubber linings specifically designed for HCl service, providing reliable, long-term protection against this aggressive chemical.
Abrasion Resistant Pickling Systems
We furnish rubber designed to meet your toughest abrasion applications, including bins, housings, hoppers, piping, chutes, flumes, silos, mineral slurry, limestone slurry, fly ash, iron fines, coal, ore, sand, and many others. Great for ball mills, wheelabrators, and industrial shot blast cabinets, you can reduce equipment failure and shutdown costs while protecting your capital investment.
Industries and Applications We Serve
Moon Fabricating serves diverse industries requiring pickling tank solutions. Our tanks are essential for operations in:
Chemical processing and manufacturing, power generation (including FGD systems), steel manufacturing, mining and minerals processing, corn processing and agricultural industries, surface finishing operations, water and wastewater treatment, automotive manufacturing, and plating and anodizing operations.
Applications include: wire processing, coil processing, tube manufacturing, sheet metal finishing, and other metal surface treatment processes.
Technical Capabilities
With 60,000 square feet of manufacturing space, cranes with 60,000-pound lifting capability, a 300-ton break press, CNC plasma burning capabilities, automated submerged arc welding, and state-of-the-art AutoCAD design and electronic monitoring systems, Moon Fabricating Corporation has the technical resources to handle pickling tank projects of any scale.
The Moon Fabricating Advantage
When you choose Moon Fabricating Corporation for your pickling tank needs, you benefit from:
Nearly a Century of Experience
Moon Fabricating Corporation is a single-source provider of custom fabrication solutions established in 1923 in Kokomo, Indiana. Founded by Richard Moon, the company initially specialized in custom steel fabrication, construction/erection, and machining services. This extensive history has given us unparalleled expertise in creating superior pickling tank solutions.
Industry Credentials
Official applicator for North America’s largest producers of rubber linings, including Blair Rubber Co. and Polycorp Ltd. Works with leading protective lining and coating providers including Blome, Carboline, Ceilcote, ITW Devcon, Heresite, and Wisconsin Protective Coatings.
Quality Standards
Projects meet applicable codes and standards with verified engineering specifications. Project Approach: Turnkey solutions from design through installation, providing single-source responsibility.
Established Relationships with Industry Leaders
Moon’s reputation for quality has secured relationships with industry leaders including: Energy: AEP, Duke Energy, Ameren Electric; Chemical: Dow Chemical, Lyondell Chemical, ICL Chemical, Pfizer; Manufacturing: United States Steel, Arcelor Steel, Steel Dynamics, Chrysler; Engineering: URS Advatech, FLSmith, Infilco Degremont, Babcock & Wilcox, Graycor, Fluor, M3 Engineering; Agriculture: Cargill, ADM, Tate & Lyle.
Project Process & Client Experience
- Initial Consultation: Expert project managers with decades of experience collaborate with clients to understand specific requirements
- Engineering & Design: Estimating staff uses state-of-the-art AutoCAD to ensure drawings meet specifications and all applicable codes/standards
- Quality Fabrication: Materials and proven fabricating techniques ensure reliability, durability, and functionality
- Professional Installation: Experienced field teams handle installation with rigorous safety protocols
- Ongoing Support: Service and maintenance options to ensure long-term performance
Our comprehensive field services include on-site assembly, installation, and ongoing maintenance to ensure your pickling tanks perform optimally throughout their operational life.
Understanding the Pickling Process
The pickling process is a metal surface treatment that removes impurities, such as stains, inorganic contaminants, rust or scale from metals. A solution called pickle liquor, which usually contains acid, is used to remove the surface impurities. It is commonly used to descale or clean steel in various steelmaking processes.
The typical steps involved include:
- Pre-cleaning: Removal of oils, dirt and loose contaminants
- Acid Treatment: Immersion in our specially formulated tanks with appropriate acid solution
- Rinsing: Complete washing to remove all acid residue
- Neutralization: Application of neutralizing solution
- Drying: Thorough drying to prevent flash rusting
Our pickling tanks are designed to optimize each step while ensuring maximum safety and environmental compliance.
Maintenance and Ongoing Support
To maintain your pickling tank’s performance, we recommend:
- Regular Inspections: Schedule periodic examinations to identify potential issues before they become problematic.
- Proper Cleaning Protocols: Follow recommended cleaning procedures to avoid damaging the rubber lining.
- Temperature Monitoring: Ensure operations remain within the specified temperature range for your particular rubber lining.
- Chemical Compatibility Verification: Before introducing new chemicals, verify compatibility with your existing lining.
Our commitment to your success doesn’t end with installation. Moon Fabricating’s service and maintenance options ensure long-term performance of your pickling tanks.
Industry Standards Compliance
Our pickling tanks meet the ASTM D7602 standard, which covers installation techniques used for rubber lining sheet stock in metal tanks, pipes, and other components. This widely-recognized standard ensures your equipment complies with the latest industry practices for proper installation, inspection, and storage conditions.
Get Started with Moon Fabricating Corporation
You can count on us when you want to make your core operations more efficient and preserve your investment in physical assets. Contact our team right away for additional information about our corrosion resistant pickling tank services. We look forward to assisting your company by manufacturing industrial-strength pickling tanks to meet your specific needs and requirements.
Moon Fabricating Corporation
700 W. Morgan St.
Kokomo, Indiana 46901
Phone: 765.459.4194
Fax: 765.452.6090
Email: gveach@moontanks.com
Website: moontanks.com
With nearly a century of experience, Moon Fabricating Corporation delivers pickling tanks that provide unmatched protection, exceptional durability, and superior performance for your most demanding industrial applications.