Objective In order to study the effect of PRO-pHx acid active agent on the pickling process and pickling quality, and to reach the goals of saving acid, reducing emission and decreasing cost. Methods The PRO-pHx live agent was added, and the replacement cycle of acid pickling solutions was comparatively analyzed, as well as the costs of different acid usage cycles. Results A concentration of 1% or less of PRO-pHx acid activating agent could maintain the activity of galvanized parts pickling solution for a long time, as well as the surface pickling quality of steel parts and electroplating quality, meanwhile, the amount of waste acid was reduced. Adding 1% PRO-pHx acid active agent in a 1200 L sulfuric acid pickling tank could reduce the cost by 33. 6% at the 30th cycle, and the costs would be further reduced with the extension of the pickling cycle. Conclusion Adding PRO-pHx acid active agent in acid pickling solution realized acid conservation, emissions reduction and cost reduction on the premise of the good quality of surface pickling of steel parts and electroplating coating.