Steam Cleaning & Phosphating

Phosphating is vital in ensuring a proper finish of powder coated or painted parts. At Electro-Steam, we offer steam generators for phosphating and pre-cleaning metal components. Using our electric steam generators for your phosphating process helps to achieve good adhesion, a higher-quality appearance, and optimal corrosion protection for metal surfaces.

What Is Phosphating?

Metal components often include a protective outer layer to inhibit corrosion and rust. For example, steel parts almost always have some type of protective finish to stop moisture and oxygen from causing rust. While there are numerous methods used to create these protective layers, one of the most common is phosphating.

Phosphating is a chemical process by which phosphate crystals bond to the surface of metal materials. The treatment relies on a phosphate solution composed of zinc, iron, manganese, or nickel phosphates, which covers the metal surface with a protective crystalline layer typically ranging from 5 to 10 µm in thickness. This creates a metal surface that is more resistant to corrosion and allows for improved adhesion of subsequent powder coating or painting.

Although it may sound counterproductive, phosphating actually causes corrosion on a metal's surface. The phosphoric acid used in the process initiates a chemical reaction with the underlying metal that results in a superficial layer of corrosion. At the same time, phosphating distributes crystals across the material's surface, protecting the metal from further corrosion and rust.

One of the most effective phosphating techniques is through the use of steam. Using hot, saturated steam while introducing the phosphoric acid solution through a siphoning steam wand will effectively penetrate the metal's pores to ensure thorough part cleaning.

Benefits of Steam Phosphating

Phosphating creates a metal component that is corrosion-resistant, aesthetically appealing, and has high-quality adhesion. When using steam for the phosphating process, you can reduce energy and water waste, as well as speed up or eliminate drying times due to steam's high temperature. Additionally, steam phosphating can be performed in a single operation, completely preparing the metal piece for the painting or powder coating process.

Other benefits of steam phosphating include:

• Prevents the spread of undercoat corrosion for surfaces that have been nicked or scratched.
• Large spray booths are not required since there is very minimal overspray.
• Uses approximately 50% less chemical than a pressure washer system.
• Significantly less effluent to collect and dispose — ounces vs. gallons — when compared to pressure washers.

Electro-Steam Generators for Cleaning and Phosphating

Electro-Steam's LB Series steam units are specifically designed for pre-cleaning and iron phosphating of metal parts prior to painting or powder coating. The LB Series is available in nine models, each suited for different part sizes and production volumes. Our electric steam generators use approximately 25% fewer chemicals compared to high-pressure fossil fuel fired washers and use significantly less water than manual cleaning systems.

Key specifications of our LB Series steam generators include:

• Standard stainless steel cabinets
• Built by an ASME certificate holder in accordance with ASME BPVC Section I – Rules for Construction of Power Boilers
• Comply with requirements outlined in The National Board Synopsis of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Laws, Rules and Regulations (NB-370), including ASME BPVC Section I, ASME CSD-1, ASME B31.1, and registration with the National Board
• UL and cUL (Canada) listed
• 98% efficient resulting in energy and water conservation
• One-year warranty on all parts and a five-year warranty on the chamber

Contact Electro-Steam Generator Corp

Phosphating is a popular method of protecting metal components from corrosion. Steam phosphating is the ideal method of phosphatizing, providing a one-step process that reduces energy consumption, generates less water waste, and delivers a clean surface ready for paint or powder coating. Electro-Steam has delivered safe, reliable electric steam generators and boilers since 1952. For more information about our steam generators for phosphating, contact us today.

Recommended Models for Cleaning & Phosphating

	Series	Available Sizes	Pressure Range
	LB Series	40, 50, 60 kW  ·  80 kW  ·  100, 120, 150, 180, or 240 kW	0–100 PSI