Methods for Removing Rust on The Surface of Diesel Generators

For expensive diesel generators, the most correct maintenance method should be preventive maintenance, which is more cost-effective and can effectively extend the service life of diesel generators. What if there is rust on the surface of diesel generators? In fact, combined with the use of diesel generators, most of the rust on the surface of diesel generators is generated by the contact of metal surfaces with oxygen, water, and acidic substances in the air, such as Fe0, Fe3O4, and FeO3. The rust removal methods for diesel generators mainly include mechanical rust removal, chemical acid washing rust removal, and electrochemical corrosion rust removal. Next, Dingbo Electric will share with you three effective methods for thoroughly removing rust on the surface of diesel generators:

Method 1: Mechanical rust removal method utilizes the friction, cutting and other functions between mechanical parts to remove the rust layer on the surface of the parts. The commonly used methods include brushing, grinding, polishing, and sandblasting. Single piece and small batch maintenance rely on manual use of wire brushes, scrapers, and sandcloths to brush, scrape, or polish rust layers. A batch of qualified parts or units can be derusted by various rust removal tools driven by motors or fans, such as electric polishing, polishing, rolling, etc. Sandblasting is the use of compressed air to spray a certain size of sand onto the surface of rusted parts through a spray gun. It can not only quickly remove rust, but also prepare for painting, spraying, electroplating and other processes. After sandblasting, the surface is clean and has a certain roughness, which can improve the adhesion between the coating and the parts. Mechanical rust removal can only be used on the surface of unimportant mechanical parts.

Method 2: Chemical rust removal is an acid washing method that uses chemical reactions to dissolve corrosion products on metal surfaces. The principle is that the mechanical action of the metal dissolved in acid and the hydrogen gas generated in chemical reactions causes the rust layer to fall off. Common acids include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, etc. Due to different metal materials, the chemicals used to dissolve corrosion products also vary. The selection of rust removers and their operating conditions are mainly determined based on the type of metal, chemical composition, surface condition, dimensional accuracy, and surface quality of the parts.

Method 3: Electrochemical acid etching is the process of placing parts in an electrolyte and applying direct current through a chemical reaction to remove rust. This method is faster than chemical methods and can better preserve the base metal, reducing acid consumption. It is generally divided into two categories: one is to use rust removal parts as anodes; The second is to use the rust removed parts as the cathode. Anodic rust removal is due to the dissolution of metal and the tearing effect of oxygen on the rust layer. Cathodic rust removal is due to the reduction of iron oxide by hydrogen gas generated on the cathode after being electrified, which tears the rust layer and causes rust to peel off from the surface of the parts. The main drawback of the previous method is that when the current density is too high, it is easy to cause corrosion and damage to the surface of the parts, making it suitable for parts with simple shapes. Although the latter has no corrosion issues, hydrogen easily enters the metal, causing hydrogen embrittlement and reducing the plasticity of the parts. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the appropriate rust removal method based on the specific situation of the corroded area.

In addition, in practical production applications, rust removers of various materials can be used for oil removal, rust removal, and passivation treatment. Except for metals such as zinc and magnesium, most metals can be used regardless of size, and methods such as spraying, brushing, and soaking can also be used.

Dingbo Power was founded in 1974 and is one of the earliest manufacturers of generators and diesel generator sets in China. If you want get more information, please feel free to send email to sales@dieselgeneratortech.com we will pay highly attention on your question.