Nonhazardous citric acid solution used with 24 volt dc power supply etches weld samples. This etching method is limited to 300 stainless steel and a small range of other high temperature alloys

Allen, B. C

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

August 1966	 Brief 66-10378 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U. S. space 
program and to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Nonhazardous Acid Etches Weld Samples 
The problem: 
Etching of weld samples of series 300 stainless 
steels and some other high temperature alloys is usu-
ally done in solutions of nitric and hydrofluoric acids. 
The use and storage of these acids constitute a hazard 
to operating personnel. 
The solution: 
An etchant bath of harmless citric acid in conjunc-
tion with a 24 volt dc power supply. 
How it's done: 
The etching action is activated by a 24 volt dc 
power supply through an anode connected by a spring 
clip to the weld sample and a cathode suspended in 
the citric acid bath. 
Notes: 
1. The citric acid solution is limited in its use to a 
rather small range of metals it will successfully 
etch.
2. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Huntsville, Alabama 35812 
Reference: B66-10378 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546.
Source: B. C. Allen
of North American Aviation, Inc.

under contract to

Marshall Space Flight Center

(M-FS-975) 
Category 05 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000377 2020-03-11T17:40:37+00:00Z


Nonhazardous acid etches weld samples

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