The EPS process produces scale-free steel strip which is interchangeable with acid-pickled steel strip, yet the EPS process entails lower capital and operating (variable) cost than an acid-pickling line of equivalent output. For this reason the EPS process is considered to be a direct replacement of acid pickling.
In addition, the EPS process is considered less damaging to the environment than acid pickling for these reasons:
* Lower energy consumption;
* No hazardous/acidic substances used in the process;
* No potential exposure to acid fumes for people, equipment or buildings;
* No hazardous or polluting outputs or byproducts of the process with disposal or fume stack liabilities.