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Metal surface treatment bulk handling complete guide

Bulk Handling in Metal Surface Treatment

Surface treatment processes make intensive use of process chemicals. Safe and efficient bulk handling of acids, alkalis, solvents and powder coatings is essential for this industry.

Key points

Pickling acids (hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid) and alkalis require chemical-resistant storage with secondary containment against leakage
Powder coating forms an explosive dust-air mixture when dispersed into the air — ATEX zoning is mandatory in coating rooms
Colour changeover in powder coating requires complete cleaning of the booth and transport lines to prevent colour contamination
Vapour and odour control at degreasing baths requires adequate extraction in accordance with occupational hygiene limit values

Powder coating: powder handling

Powder coating is supplied in bags or big bags. Big bag discharge into the coating room with dust control — powder coating forms an explosive dust-air mixture (ATEX zone). Colour changeover requires complete cleaning of the installation to prevent colour contamination.

Process chemicals handling

Pickling bath acids and degreasing baths are supplied in tanker trucks or IBCs. Secondary containment is mandatory for all hazardous liquids. More info: hecht-technology.nl.

Safe storage of process chemicals

Acids and alkalis for pickling and degreasing are delivered by tanker truck or IBC and stored in chemical-resistant tanks with drip trays or double-walled design as secondary containment. Separate storage of acids and bases — with sufficient distance or dividing walls — prevents dangerous reactions in the event of a leak.

FAQ — Metal surface treatment bulk handling

What ATEX measures apply to powder coating installations?

Powder coating booths generally fall under ATEX Zone 22 (dust, occasional). Grounded equipment, explosion-proof extraction and regular cleaning to limit dust accumulation are required. At high throughput, Zone 21 may apply, with stricter equipment certification requirements.

How do you prevent colour contamination during powder coating colour changeover?

Through complete booth cleaning (blowing, vacuuming, in some cases wet cleaning) between colour changes, and by processing light colours before dark colours in the production sequence to minimise residual powder effects.