Pickling

Name:
Pickling
Detailed information:
(1) Removal of scale, oxides, and other impurities from metal surfaces by immersion in an inorganic acid, usually sulfuric, hydrochloric, or phosphoric. Rate of scale removal varies inversely with concentration and temperature; the usual concentration is 15% at or above 100C. The rate is also increased by electrolysis. (2) A method of food preservation involving use of salt, sugar, spices, and organic acids (acetic). (3) Preserving or preparing hides for tanning by immersion in a 6–12% salt solution, together with enough acid to maintain pH at 2.5 or less.