CARE OF YOUR STAINLESS STEEL / BRASS WALKOVER & DRIVEOVER UNITS
Some simple maintenance procedures will ensure the longevity of your Walkover
/ Driveover fittings.
DO NOT allow grit, grit salt or dirt to build up on the fitting. This will cause abrasive damage and corrosion to the fitting.
DO inspect the fitting regularly for any signs of damage or water penetration and rectify as appropriate.
DO regularly check the tightness of any fixing screws and the security of any seals at the top of the unit.
DO remove any corrosion build-up on the fitting. Wire wool and a smear of general purpose oil should quickly remove any build up of surface corrosion. Alternatively tests have shown Autosol metal polish gives excellent results and a high lustre finish.
DO use a water resistant preparation regularly (e.g. WD40) on the fitting. Once the fitting is cleaned spray the preparation onto a clean cloth and wipe the fitting.
Question:
Why do I need to clean Marine Grade Stainless Steel
Surely it is 'stainless' and does not need cleaning?
Answer:
Marine grade Stainless Steel (Stainless 316) is very resistant to corrosion but
in some circumstances will stain.
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Our thanks to
www.azom.com for the following technical
explanation:
Stainless Steel - Grade 316 – Properties
Chemical Formula:
Fe, <0.03% C, 16-18.5% Cr, 10-14% Ni, 2-3% Mo, <2% Mn, <1% Si, <0.045% P, <0.03% S
Excellent in a range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media - generally more resistant than 304. Subject to pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments, and to stress corrosion cracking above about 60°C. Considered resistant to potable water with up to about 1000mg/L chlorides at ambient temperatures, reducing to about 500mg/L at 60°C.
316 is usually regarded as the standard “marine grade stainless steel”, but it is not resistant to warm sea water. In many marine environments 316 does exhibit surface corrosion, usually visible as brown staining.
For the full story visit:
www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=863#_Corrosion_Resistance
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Below are 'before' and 'after' pictures of a typical fitting:
BEFORE CLEANING: AFTER CLEANING:
Other Customer Q & A's
Question:
But I do not live near the seaside what can be causing the corrosion staining?
Answer:
Salt from roads, salt and chlorides from cleaning materials the list is quite
long. Sometimes it is not possible to specify exactly where the problem comes
from.
Question:
Does it make a difference if the fitting is switched on or off?
Answer:
Yes if the fitting is switched on heat from lamps, even the minimal heat from
LED's will raise the temperature of the fitting above ambient. This factor does
aggravate the problem and make it worse. Fitting temperature above ambient
creates the 'warm environment' on which the staining thrives.
Question:
So what do I do?
Answer:
Follow the maintenance procedures listed at the top of the page to keep the
problem to a minimum.