In the coating industry, surface preparation is key to ensuring durability and quality of paint finishes. Traditionally, 4- or 5-step washing tunnels rely on phosphoric acid as the main degreasing and phosphating agent. However, this option involves high operating costs, tank and pump corrosion risks, and the generation of hazardous waste requiring special confinement.

Today, there is a more efficient and sustainable alternative: SERVEC 1, a biodegradable product that combines degreasing and phosphating in a single step, simplifying processes and outperforming phosphoric acid.

1. Process Efficiency

• Phosphoric Acid: Requires multiple rinsing and passivation stages with strict pH control. This means more tanks, more water consumption, more space, and higher energy costs.
• SERVEC 1: Works at room temperature and in a single step provides degreasing and phosphating. It reduces the process from 4–5 steps to just 1–2 steps, optimizing space and resources.

2. Corrosion Resistance Performance

• Phosphoric Acid: Typically achieves between 300 to 500 hours in salt spray chamber tests, depending on the metal type and subsequent coating.
• SERVEC 1: Proven in tests with companies like Siemens Colombia and Sherwin Williams to provide resistance of over 1500 hours in salt spray chamber, tripling the performance of the conventional method.

3. Cost and Maintenance

• Phosphoric Acid: Causes accelerated wear in carbon steel tanks and pumps, requiring special linings or constant replacements. Its waste also requires specialized confinement, increasing environmental and operational costs.
• SERVEC 1: Being biodegradable and non-acidic, it extends the lifespan of tanks and pumps, avoiding premature wear. No special waste confinement is required, translating into direct savings in operation and maintenance.

4. Compatibility and Versatility

• Phosphoric Acid: Works mainly on carbon steel but loses efficiency on galvanized steel, stainless steel, or sandblasted surfaces.
• SERVEC 1: Improves adhesion on stainless steel, galvanized steel, and sandblasted parts, offering broader application without the need for additional chemicals.

5. Sustainability and Safety

• Phosphoric Acid: Highly corrosive and hazardous for operators, requiring strict handling procedures and protective equipment.
• SERVEC 1: Safe for personnel, does not generate toxic vapors, and can be used without major risks, complying with modern industrial safety standards.

Conclusion

Replacing phosphoric acid with SERVEC 1 in washing tunnels not only means tripling corrosion protection but also simplifying processes, reducing costs, extending equipment lifespan, and meeting environmental and safety regulations.

At Neez Tecnología, we are committed to more efficient, safe, and sustainable processes, which is why we promote SERVEC 1 as the best alternative for the coating industry.