Dehydrogenation

Dehydrogenation of steel

The dehydrogenation of steel is a thermal process which is typical of the metallurgical industry: this surface treatment involves the removal of hydrogen absorbed by a metal object during an electrochemcial process, such as for example that of zinc-coating. The hydrogen normally absorbed renders the processed surface brittle.

Thanks to this removal process therefore, elasticity is given to the galvanised layer, guaranteeing enhanced resistance to corrosion. In order to achieve dehydrogenation, it is necessary that the zinc-coated elements are treated in an oven at a temperature of 180-190 degrees centigrade within four hours of the zincing process, for at least a couple of hours.

This special surface treatment is an operation which is advisable for all those steel or metallic products which must offer maximum resistance to stress or metallic tensions, or in cases where elevated elasticity is necessary as for example in the case of springs.

The production of hydrogen during the preparation of the surfaces (pickling, degreasing, zincing) can render the materials more fragile. Such fragility due to hydrogen can be reduced by a thermal treatment in an oven heated to a temperature of 180/200° C for a period of 2 hours or more, depending on the thickness of the pieces or according to the client’s specific requests, all of which should be done within 4 hours of the galvanisation treatment

Galv.Ar, leader in the field of hydrogenation is a reliable partner, and has been tried and tested in relation to dehydrogenation, thanks to years of experience accumulated with many companies in our region and beyond and with whom we continue to do business. The company carries out dehydrogenation treatments only on the client’s request.