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 inaugurates fully automated OCTG facility

Sandvik has recently inaugurated a new, state-of-the-art, fully automated ultrasonic testing facility for pipes to the oil and gas industry.

Allspeeds declares ROV cut loop cutter for BOP

Allspeeds, the designers and manufacturers of Webtool, has recently declared a compact ROV cut loop cutter for emergency activation of a Blow Out Preventer (BOP).

New facility for exhaust air treatment at BUTTING

BUTTING has always followed statutory regulations, official requirements and the guidelines of the DIN EN ISO 14001 and the guiding principles of its self-image in its investments into the areas of production.

Sandvik stainless steel in tunnel construction

NSB AS, the Norwegian state-owned railroad company, started building a high-speed railway, creating a triangle from Oslo to southern Norway and then up to Bergen, navigating the scenic attractions, all of which required a great deal of innovative thinking as well as experienced partners.

New line of Synflex® Stainless Steel Fittings

Hydraulic Supply Company, a fluid power distributor based in Sunrise, Florida, and Eaton, a specialist in power management, have recently declared an expanded line of Eaton Aeroquip® and Synflex® Stainless Steel Fittings.

MSH sections for Walney Extension Offshore

Vallourec has recently received an order for 400 tons of MSH (Mannesmann Structural Hollow Sections) which will be used as basic structures for the anode cages constituting the corrosion protection system of the Walney Extension Offshore Wind Farm.

UVA researchers accelerate corrosion

Robert Kelly, AT&T Professor of Engineering in the University of Virginia’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, is able to launch pieces of metal into the future, accelerating their aging through corrosion, the degradation of materials.

Codina makes metallic meshes for industrial use

The company Codina produces metallic meshes for applications in processes and machinery for all kinds of industries. Stainless steel is used for the manufacturing of wire mesh providing functional and creative solutions of aesthetic character for facades, coverings, curtain walls, ceilings, etc.

Kelvion presents it portfolio at Chillventa

Kelvion (formerly GEA Heat Exchangers) has recently declared that it will present its portfolio of heat exchangers, as well as commercial and industrial cooler systems, at Chillventa in Nuremberg.

Nuclear AMRC works with Sellafield Ltd

The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) is working with Sellafield Ltd to slash the cost of making future designs of waste container boxes, potentially saving hundreds of millions of pounds in decommissioning costs.


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.