1.1 This specification covers several different types of chemical passivation treatments for stainless steel parts. It includes recommendations and precautions for descaling, cleaning, and passivation of stainless steel parts. It includes several alternative tests, with acceptance criteria, for confirmation of effectiveness of such treatments for stainless steel parts.

1.2 Practices for the mechanical and chemical treatments of stainless steel surfaces are discussed more thoroughly in Practice A 380.

1.3 Several alternative chemical treatments are defined for passivation of stainless steel parts. gives some nonmandatory information and provides some general guidelines regarding the selection of passivation treatment appropriate to particular grades of stainless steel but makes no recommendations regarding the suitability of any grade, treatment, and acceptance criteria for any particular application or class of applications.

1.4 The tests in this specification are intended to confirm the effectiveness of passivation, particularly with regard to the removal of free iron and other exogenous matter. These tests include the following practices:

1.4.1 Practice A—Water Immersion Test,

1.4.2 Practice B—High Humidity Test,

1.4.3 Practice C—Salt Spray Test,

1.4.4 Practice D—Copper Sulfate Test,

1.4.5 Practice E—Potassium Ferricyanide-Nitric Acid Test, and

1.4.6 Practice F—Free Iron Test.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions, Sections 14 through 18 of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.