Ferroxyl Test Kit for free IRON passivation

Product Description

This test kist is specially designed to test of PICKLED staineless steel or to test of presence of embedded iron in the steel surface .
Use the “ferroxyl test.” Spray the surface with a solution of potassium ferricyanide. If free iron is present, a blue color will appear. This test is extremely sensitive and often gives false positive results, that is, it gives an indication of iron being present when it really is not. The ferroxyl solution must be made fresh each day.

Both the copper sulfate and the ferroxyl tests are described in ASTM A380.

It is a very highly sensitive & hazardous test and should be used only when traces of free iron or iron oxide is “objectionable”. Personnel familiar with its limitations and hazards should only be permitted to use this test method.

The test is based on a reaction of potassium ferricyandide with iron in a strongly acid medium. The excess iron dissolves in this strongly acid medium as ferrous ion to form a blue complex, known as Prussian Blue. When during this test this blue coloration manifests itself it means that the surface of the stainless steel does not yet have the correct structure and has been insufficiently pickled. When the blue coloration does not appear this means that the structure has been restored and indicates that the surface has been satisfactorily pickled.

After getting positive result Remove free iron and free iron oxides by using for example,  a phosphoric acid solution or  Citric acid. 

Product Technical bulletin

This test kist is specially designed to test of PICKLED staineless steel or to test of presence of embedded iron in the steel surface .
Use the “ferroxyl test.” Spray the surface with a solution of potassium ferricyanide. If free iron is present, a blue color will appear. This test is extremely sensitive and often gives false positive results, that is, it gives an indication of iron being present when it really is not. The ferroxyl solution must be made fresh each day.

Both the copper sulfate and the ferroxyl tests are described in ASTM A380.

It is a very highly sensitive & hazardous test and should be used only when traces of free iron or iron oxide is “objectionable”. Personnel familiar with its limitations and hazards should only be permitted to use this test method.

The test is based on a reaction of potassium ferricyandide with iron in a strongly acid medium. The excess iron dissolves in this strongly acid medium as ferrous ion to form a blue complex, known as Prussian Blue. When during this test this blue coloration manifests itself it means that the surface of the stainless steel does not yet have the correct structure and has been insufficiently pickled. When the blue coloration does not appear this means that the structure has been restored and indicates that the surface has been satisfactorily pickled.

After getting positive result Remove free iron and free iron oxides by using for example,  a phosphoric acid solution or  Citric acid. 

It consists of two solutions, TK-F1 & TK-F2,
 

Mix Solution TK-F1 & TK-F2  1:1.  ( which contain nitric acid and potassium ferricyanide. The potassium ferricyanide can emit lethal fumes if it is exposed to concentrated acids, or heated to decomposition. The mixed solutions are combined before use as the mixture has an active shelf-life of approximately 24 hours. )

1st option ::: A filter paper is soaked with the mix solution and applied to the surface to be checked. After a reaction time of 30 – 60 seconds, ferrite residues, which are on the surface, will give a blue result if  when iron is present.

2nd option ::: Alternatively, this mixture can be sprayed by atomizer spray over the area to be tested , and inhalation of this spray should be avoided.
 
 
Important note :

– The tested surface has to be cleaned immediately after with de-ionised water.
– Highly trained personnel should only be permitted to perform this test.
– Residues of pickling products will also show a blue colour.

The Ferroxyl test is designed to determine whether austenitic stainless steel needs to be pickled or whether it has been pickled satisfactorily. When structure on the surface of austenitic stainless steel has not been evenly restored, an excess of metallic iron will be present (so called embedded iron) which will adversely affect the properties of the stainless steel.

The presence of embedded iron in the stainless steel surface disturbs the chromium oxide film reducing the corrosion resistance locally. When embedded iron is not removed serious (pit) corrosion may set in.

Experimental Principle  ::: — 

The test is based on a reaction of potassium ferricyandide with iron in a strongly acid medium. The excess iron dissolves in this strongly acid medium as ferrous ion to form a blue complex, known as Prussian Blue.

When during this test this blue coloration manifests itself it means that the surface of the stainless steel does not yet have the correct structure and has been insufficiently picked.

Also refer this link ::: Palladium Chloride Passivation Test Kit  ( http://rxmarine.com/passivation-test-kit-0 ) 

                                 Passivity Test Kit for PASSIVATION  ( http://rxmarine.com/Passive-Film-Testing )

It is not recommended for use on products destined for use in food, medical or pharmaceutical unless complete removal of the cyanide solution can be guaranteed.

An alternative is our Passivity test kit which will give a red/pink result when in contact with Iron. The chemicals used in the passivity test are not hazardous.



Carbon steel will only contaminate the stainless steel if the passive layer of chromium is destroyed. Very few fabricators have the capability to fabricate in an operating room environment. There are many ways to remove free iron and free iron oxides by using for example, RXSOL-16-1011-025 solution.



A ferroxyl test is a test done only to “detect” contamination. Once contamination is detected, then a removal procedure is carried out.
 

Content of Rxsol Ferroxyl  Test Kit –

Equipment  & Reagent :

• Latex Gloves – 1 Pkt.
• Shoes Cover – 1 Pkt.
• Test Tube 100 ml – 1 Pc.
• Test Tube 25 ml – 1 pc. 
• Filter Paper – 1 pkt ( 0/11 (cm)
• Squeeze Bottle – 1 pc ( Transparent dropping bottle 25 ml )
• Reagent TK-F1 – 50 ml x 2 Nos
• Reagent TK-F2 – 50 ml X 2 Nos
• D.I. Water (Lab Grade) –  1 Btl
• Measuring scoop

Product label
This test kist is specially designed to test of PICKLED staineless steel or to test of presence of embedded iron in the steel surface .
Use the “ferroxyl test.” Spray the surface with a solution of potassium ferricyanide. If free iron is present, a blue color will appear. This test is extremely sensitive and often gives false positive results, that is, it gives an indication of iron being present when it really is not. The ferroxyl solution must be made fresh each day.

Both the copper sulfate and the ferroxyl tests are described in ASTM A380.

It is a very highly sensitive & hazardous test and should be used only when traces of free iron or iron oxide is “objectionable”. Personnel familiar with its limitations and hazards should only be permitted to use this test method.

The test is based on a reaction of potassium ferricyandide with iron in a strongly acid medium. The excess iron dissolves in this strongly acid medium as ferrous ion to form a blue complex, known as Prussian Blue. When during this test this blue coloration manifests itself it means that the surface of the stainless steel does not yet have the correct structure and has been insufficiently pickled. When the blue coloration does not appear this means that the structure has been restored and indicates that the surface has been satisfactorily pickled.