Rust, mill scale remover is environmentally friendly

PPG Industries’ industrial coatings business has introduced CORROKLEEN™ 44 rust remover, a citric acid-based gel cleaner that removes rust and mill scale. According to the company, the cleaner is safer for users and the environment than traditional grinding, sanding, media blasting, or chemical-based products.

Formulated without phosphates and other strong acids, the rust remover features a shear-thinning gel structure for simple spray application and a low-shear thixotropy that adheres the product to surfaces on which it is applied.

Designed for application on rusted or mill-scaled hot-rolled steel or rusted cold-rolled steel, the rust remover eradicates metallic oxides, heat scale, and heat-treated stains. Suitable for the removal of blush/flash rust from previously blasted surfaces, it can be used to clean industrial machinery, heavy-duty construction equipment, valves, and trailer frames.

Available in 5-gal. pails and 55-gal. drums, the product can be applied with a brush, airless spray nozzle, or manual sprayer. In most applications, it eliminates heavy oxidation and scale within two to four hours.