Patent ID: 8535447

Claim:
A method to remove rapidly chloride ions from corroded, iron, archeological artifacts comprising the steps of: identifying the artifact from which chloride ions are to be removed; recovering said artifact; pre-treating said recovered artifact by washing to remove debris and any concretion, and positioning said artifact in a container for treatment; preparing a dilute alkaline solution; next, filling said container with an adequate volume of said dilute alkaline solution; then pressurizing said container to a predetermined level to maintain said dilute alkaline solution at a sub-critical phase; then, heating said dilute alkaline solution in said pressurized cylinder to at or above 130° C. and maintaining said pressure to hold said dilute alkaline solution at a sub-critical phase; circulating said alkaline solution in said container to ensure maximum contact with said artifact for a period of time adequate to remove the chloride ions; and, cooling and discharging said alkaline solution and recovering said artifact from said container.