Citric Acid-Based Passivation of Maritime Stainless Steel Storage Tanks

This standard covers passivation of maritime stainless steel storage and cargo tanks, and associated stainless steel piping when necessary, using a solution of citric acid. It includes guidelines and precautions for cleaning and passivation of stainless steel tanks in marine tanker vessels.

This standard describes the passivation process for the interior of maritime stainless steel storage and cargo tanks using citric acid, and the parameters used for this. This process has traditionally been performed using nitric acid, which presents personal and environmental hazards. The use of citric acid results in a significant reduction of these hazards.