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.

Wärtsilä expands duplex valve range

Wärtsilä Shipham Valves has extended its full range of duplex and super duplex stainless steel valves to cover higher pressure ratings.

Stainless steel pipeline jacket from BS Stainless

BS Stainless are currently finalising the details of a new jacketing system, which is the result of a powerful two-year project focused on sound reduction, in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University.SoundMet is a BS Stainless trademark and had been designed with three main principles in mind – effective damping of sound and vibration, a reduction in person-hours, thus labour costs and the prevention of corrosion under insulation (CUI).

Freudenberg-NOK adopts HTA for automotive products

Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies’ (Freudenberg-NOK) diverse portfolio of customers and products has allowed it to cross-fertilize industries by developing a new automotive use from traditional aerospace materials.

DNV GL launches JIP to combat external MIC

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a serious threat to the integrity of onshore transmission pipelines and can lead to unexpected failures.

AK Steel launches New Stainless Steel Product

newsitemAK Steel introduced CHROMESHIELD 22, a new nickel-free stainless steel product with enhanced benefits and stable pricing.

SKS steel to create façade for Baosteel’s offices

SKS, a joint venture between Outokumpu and Baosteel Group in China, will deliver over 800t of high-quality cold-rolled stainless steel plate for the cladding of Baosteel’s landmark head offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou in China.

Litre Meter ships flowmeters to China

newsitemLitre Meter shipped six LF05 VFF positive displacement flowmeters to China via a distributor for use in chemical injection applications on an offshore platform.

Dursan bio-inert coating for corrosion resistance

newsitemExisting techniques for enhancing bio-inertness and protein release such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) systems lack stability and will oxidise in the presence of oxygen, rendering them useless.

Chromalox extends electric blower heater line

Chromalox, an advanced thermal technologies company, announced the availability of a new extreme duty model of its blower heater line.

Sandvik divests distribution business

Sandvik Materials Technology is divesting its distribution business in Australia and New Zealand to Vulcan Steel.


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.