Guest
We have a knife gate valve which has a calcium sulfite buildup in it preventing it from closing all the way. I thought maybe we could use an acid wash on the valve, but I'm not sure of everything that involves. I've done some research, and I think the best acid we could use to clean the valve is acetic acid. The valve itself is made of 254 SMO, fabricated steel, and the seals are natural rubber. Acetic acid shouldn't react with any of these. I'm not completely certain of this, but I think the reaction is as follows:
CaSO3 + 2C2H4O2 > Ca(C2H3O2)2 + SO2 + H2O
SO2 + H2O > HSO3(ion) + H(ion)
HSO3(ion) > H(ion) + SO3(ion)
I know any acid will react with the calcium sulfite, but my main concern is safety of the acid and the products of the reaction, and preserving the materials of the valve itself. It seems no matter what acid is used, SO2 is going to be a by product. Should I be concerned about its presence? I understand the safety issues surrounding it, but will it harm the valve? Any information at all relating to this would be appreciated.
CaSO3 + 2C2H4O2 > Ca(C2H3O2)2 + SO2 + H2O
SO2 + H2O > HSO3(ion) + H(ion)
HSO3(ion) > H(ion) + SO3(ion)
I know any acid will react with the calcium sulfite, but my main concern is safety of the acid and the products of the reaction, and preserving the materials of the valve itself. It seems no matter what acid is used, SO2 is going to be a by product. Should I be concerned about its presence? I understand the safety issues surrounding it, but will it harm the valve? Any information at all relating to this would be appreciated.
