Corrosion

Definition of Corrosion

Corrosion is defined as a refined metal that is naturally converted to a more stable form such as its hydroxide or sulphide state. Metal corrodes when it reacts with another substance such as oxygen, hydrogen or bacteria. Corrosion can also happen when metals are placed under too much stress causing the material to crack. Corrosion leads to deterioration of the material.

Stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant, making it suitable for use in environments where exposure to moisture, chemicals, or harsh conditions such as salt water is expected.

In this section you can find newsitems related to all types of corrosion such as stress corrosion cracking, intergranular corrosion, pitting, and corrosion fatigue. If you wish to include your news release on our website and email newsletter, please feel free to contact the editor.

Sandvik showcases at OTC Houston 2017

Sandvik, a developer and producer of stainless steels and other high-performance materials for the oil and gas industry, showcased its products to more than 90,000 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) attendees in Houston from May 1-4, 2017.

TIMco extends SS range

TIMco has extended its stainless steel range to include more than 20 different product styles. The decision to extend the range follows demand from customers for high quality, durable stainless steel products due to its reputation as a highly versatile metal with greater resistance to corrosion than traditional carbon steel.

Exair’s 316SS cabinet coolers with ETC

EXAIR's new Small 316 Stainless Steel Cabinet Cooler® Systems with ETC (Electronic Temperature Control) keep electrical enclosures cool with 20°F (-7°C) air while maintaining the NEMA 4X rating of the enclosure and resisting the heat that could adversely affect the internal components.

NeverFade restoration coatings for metals

APV Engineered Coatings has launched a new line of primer and topcoat systems under the NeverFade® brand name for restoration of architectural metal structures such as wall panels, window and door frames, roofs, railings, overhangs and decorative features.

BUTTING develops a GluBi pipe for oil & gas

BUTTING has developed a glued mechanically lined pipe that can be laid by the reel-lay process, without using inner pressure or increasing the wall thickness of the corrosion-resistant liner: the GluBi® pipe! The basis is a mechanically lined BuBi® pipe, which features an additional special adhesive between the carbon-manganese steel and the corrosion-resistant liner.

AK Steel opens new research center

AK Steel (AKS) celebrated the grand opening of its new world-class Research and Innovation Center in Middletown, Ohio. The event marked the formal opening of the new USD 36M, 135,000 square foot facility, built on 16-acres near AK Steel's Middletown Works and its West Chester, Ohio corporate headquarters.

Titanium for marine structures

Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation (NSSMC) and Nippon Steel & Sumikin Anti-Corrosion Co., Ltd. (NSS Anti-Corrosion) are promoting expanded application of titanium in marine structures.

Filter Industries announces new systems

Filter Pump Industries has announced a new line of Stainless Steel filter systems that offer an outstanding durability and corrosion resistance across a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications.

Tnemec introduces Endura-Heat coatings

Tnemec Company Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-performance coatings and linings, has introduced a line of products built to provide durable protection for surface temperatures up to 1200 °F (649 °C).

PDO accredits VDM

VDM Metals, one of the leading manufacturers of nickel, cobalt and zirconium alloys, as well as high alloyed special stainless steels, has been accredited as a supplier by the largest Omani oil and gas producer, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).


Corrosion can be a big problem because it can cause significant damage and deterioration to various materials, particularly metals. We have listed below several reasons why corrosion is a significant concern:

Structural Integrity: Corrosion weakens the structural integrity of materials. When metals corrode, they lose their strength and load-bearing capacity, which can lead to failures and collapses in infrastructure, buildings, bridges, pipelines, and other critical structures.

Economic Impact: Corrosion imposes substantial economic costs. The direct expenses associated with corrosion include repairs, replacements, and maintenance of corroded structures and equipment. Additionally, there are indirect costs such as production losses, decreased efficiency, and increased energy consumption due to the effects of corrosion on industrial processes and machinery.

Environmental Consequences: Corrosion can have adverse environmental effects. For example, in the case of pipelines, corrosion can lead to leaks and spills of hazardous substances, causing soil and water pollution and damaging ecosystems.

Health and Safety Risks: Corrosion can create health and safety risks in various ways. For instance, when corrosion affects pipelines or storage tanks carrying toxic substances, it can lead to leaks or releases that endanger the health of workers, communities, and the environment.

Maintenance and Downtime: Corrosion necessitates regular maintenance and inspection programs to detect and mitigate its effects. This requires significant time, effort, and financial resources. Additionally, when corrosion-related issues arise, it often requires shutting down operations, causing downtime and productivity losses.

Given these reasons, it is crucial to understand and address corrosion through preventive measures, protective coatings, corrosion-resistant materials, regular inspections and testing (ASTM B117), and appropriate maintenance practices to mitigate its impact and ensure the longevity and safety of structures and equipment.