Typically they traditionally used some form of inhibited hydrochloric acid, however, the new products are "greener".  One of the best utilized a by-product of sugar cane, glycolic acid, I believe.  Along with certain polymers, these products will work to help maintain cement trucks, finishing equipment, etc.  I have used with good effect on thick silica scale to at least 50% clean metal.  One company in Frisco, TX, as I recall: https://www.romixchem.com/romix_cart/products.php?cat=10   I have good experience with their "Platinum" product. a generic search on the web for "concrete remover products" brings up many competitive products.

Published by

Typically they traditionally used some form of inhibited hydrochloric acid, however, the new products are "greener".  One of the best utilized a by-product of sugar cane, glycolic acid, I believe.  Along with certain polymers, these products will work to help maintain cement trucks, finishing equipment, etc.  I have used with good effect on thick silica scale to at least 50% clean metal.  One company in Frisco, TX, as I recall:

https://www.romixchem.com/romix_cart/products.php?cat=10  

I have good experience with their "Platinum" product.

a generic search on the web for "concrete remover products" brings up many competitive products.