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 and Tenaris sign new five-year strategic allian

Sandvik and Tenaris have signed a new five-year strategic alliance agreement on the exclusive joint supply of corrosion resistant alloy OCTG materials and technology to the oil and gas industry. By this agreement Sandvik and Tenaris look to build on an already long established and successful alliance that goes back over a decade.

The countdown begins… Duplex Seminar & Summit 2014

newsitem With just a few weeks to go, the final preparations are being made for the 2014 Duplex Seminar & Summit. This is your chance to meet and talk with the world’s leading duplex end users, manufacturers, researchers and suppliers, all in one beautiful location! Whether you want to expand your knowledge on the application of duplex stainless steels, or expand your business in this specialist sector, this highly focused event is for you. The Duplex Seminar & Summit 2014 is an international platform for materials and corrosion professions specializing in the development and use of duplex stainless steels.

Tenaris to supply pipes for Rota 3 gas pipeline

The 2014–2018 Petrobras Business Plan foresees the allocation of USD 10B in the oil and gas sector, including projects related to pipelines for gas transportation from the Pre-Salt area, such as Rota 3.

Vallourec tubes for Brazilian football stadiums

Structural seamless steel tubes from Vallourec’s Brazilian mill in Belo Horizonte equipped nine stadiums – including five of the twelve stadiums used to host official matches during the FIFA World Cup, and four others used as training centres during the tournament.

Outokumpu’s lean duplexes receive national technical ap

Outokumpu’s lean duplex grades LDX 2101® (EN 1.4162) and LDX 2404® (EN 1.4662) recently received general approval AbZ (Allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung) by the German national building authority DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik).

Vallourec to supply line pipe solutions to TEN

newsitemVallourec has been selected to supply premium line pipes and welding services for the TEN ultra-deepwater oil and gas project in Ghana operated by Tullow Oil and executed by a consortium of Subsea 7 and Technip.

Sandvik ‘s Pressurfect™ wins Tech Award

New seamless stainless tube, Pressurfect™ by Sandvik Materials Technology, has won the Tech Award at the SAE 2014 World Congress and Exhibition in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Vallourec line pipe solutions for TEN project

newsitemVallourec will supply premium line pipes and welding services for the TEN ultra-deepwater oil and gas project, operated by Tullow Oil in Ghana, and executed by a consortium of Subsea 7 and Technip.

Outokumpu delivers 4,000tns to Husab mine

newsitemOutokumpu delivers about 4,000tns of LDX 2404 duplex stainless steel for the Husab uranium mine project in Namibia, Africa.

Ilyich Iron and Steel Works modernises CCM-2

newsitemCurrent modernisation of the production process at Ilyich Iron and Steel Works involved modernisation of the continuous casting machine (CCM-2).


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.