Chloride Neutralization: Protecting Equipment from Salt-Induced Corrosion with ZERUST® AxxaVis™ HST-10 & Axxatec™ HST-20L

Chloride Neutralization is an essential step in protecting equipment exposed to salt-contaminated environments. Industries such as mining, marine operations, and road maintenance frequently encounter corrosion caused by chloride deposits. ZERUST® AxxaVis™ HST-10 and Axxatec™ HST-20L help remove corrosive salts, neutralize chloride contamination, and protect metal surfaces from rust. By addressing chloride contamination early, companies can significantly extend equipment life and reduce costly repairs.

The Impact of Chloride Contamination on Equipment

Chloride deposits attract moisture, creating ideal conditions for corrosion. Once chlorides settle on metal surfaces, they accelerate the electrochemical reactions that lead to rust formation.

Industries that frequently face chloride-related corrosion include:

Mining
Underground salt mines expose equipment to chloride-rich environments. When machinery returns to the surface, the sudden change in conditions often triggers rapid rust formation.

Marine and Offshore Operations
Salt spray and seawater constantly deposit chloride contaminants on equipment, structures, and mechanical components.

Road Maintenance and Transportation
Vehicles and equipment accumulate de-icing salts during winter operations. If these deposits remain on metal surfaces, corrosion can quickly develop.

Because chloride contamination continues to attract moisture, proper cleaning is critical. Effective chloride neutralization removes these corrosive ions before they cause lasting damage.

ZERUST® Solutions for Chloride Neutralization

ZERUST® AxxaVis™ HST-10 and Axxatec™ HST-20L provide a practical and effective method for chloride neutralization.

Originally developed as additives for hydrostatic testing, these products also perform well for removing chloride contamination from metal surfaces.

ZERUST® AxxaVis™ HST-10
A powdered additive that dissolves in water to help neutralize chloride contamination during cleaning or rinsing processes.

Axxatec™ HST-20L
A liquid concentrate that offers excellent solubility and easy handling, making it ideal for spray or pressure-washing applications.

Both solutions deactivate chloride ions and prevent them from driving corrosion reactions.

How Chloride Neutralization Works

1. Dilution and Application

The selected ZERUST® solution is diluted with water and applied using pressure washers, spray systems, or industrial cleaning equipment.

For heavy chloride contamination, Axxatec™ HST-20L is often preferred because its liquid form dissolves quickly and mixes easily.

2. Neutralizing Chloride Contamination

Once applied, the active ingredients neutralize chloride ions and help remove salt deposits from metal surfaces.

This process interrupts the corrosion cycle, preventing rust from forming.

3. Post-Cleaning Protection

After chloride neutralization and cleaning, equipment can be protected with additional ZERUST® corrosion-prevention solutions.

For example:

• ZERUST® ICT510-OPS shrink film for large equipment protection
• ZERUST® VCI emitters for enclosed environments
• Axxanol™ Spray-G for direct rust prevention on metal surfaces

These solutions help maintain a controlled environment that keeps metal assets clean, dry, and corrosion-free.

Benefits of ZERUST® Chloride Neutralization Solutions

Choosing ZERUST® solutions for chloride neutralization provides several advantages:

• Effective chloride removal that eliminates corrosive ions responsible for rust
• Simple application using pressure washers or industrial spray systems
• Environmentally responsible formulations that are non-flammable and solvent-free
• Global compliance with standards, including TSCA, RoHS, and REACH
• Reduced maintenance costs through longer equipment service life

Protect Equipment from Salt-Induced Corrosion

Salt contamination can quickly shorten the lifespan of equipment operating in harsh environments. Implementing an effective chloride neutralization process helps remove corrosive salts before they cause irreversible damage.

ZERUST® AxxaVis™ HST-10 and Axxatec™ HST-20L provide a reliable solution for industries that regularly encounter chloride contamination.

Contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® today to learn how our corrosion-prevention solutions can help protect your equipment and infrastructure from salt-induced corrosion.

Tom White

Tom White is the Marketing Manager at ZERUST®, bringing almost a decade of expertise in Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) technologies and corrosion prevention solutions. He leads strategic marketing initiatives that showcase ZERUST®’s global product portfolio, from sustainable VCI packaging films to advanced rust preventatives and cleaners. Tom is deeply involved in product launches, trade show planning, digital marketing, and customer engagement, ensuring that ZERUST®’s innovative solutions reach the right industries and decision-makers. With a strong focus on aligning technical expertise with customer needs, he helps drive the brand’s growth and strengthen its position as a leader in corrosion protection worldwide.

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