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.

GBP 3.25M investment in LUX Assure

Technology business LUX Assure has received GBP 3.25M to transform the company from a technology development business to a service provider for the oil & gas industry.

The investment comes from ConocoPhillips; Statoil Technology Invest AS; Archangel Informal Investment (Archangels); and the Scottish Investment Bank (SIB), a division of Scottish Enterprise.

SMST-Tubes and Raccortubi: synergy for urea plants

Salzgitter Mannesmann Stainless Tubes GmbH, a leading manufacturer of stainless steel urea production tubes, and Raccortubi Group, top stockholder, supplier and manufacturer of stainless steel fittings and piping

ArcelorMittal changes the Saint Nazaire skyline

ArcelorMittal’s latest specialist steel products have been used in a major city renovation project in Saint Nazaire, western France.

Aluzinc®, part of ArcelorMittal’s aesthetic range of flat carbon steel sheets, has been used in the city’s Météor towers, which are home to local and regional government.

ArcelorMittal creates steel slab for gas industry

ArcelorMittal Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, has recently launched production for slabs which will be used in pipelines that transport sour gas. Strengthening its position in this niche market, the Mexican site is consolidating its position as a leading producer of world-class steel slabs.

Nickel Institute publication show biofuels benefit

Stainless steel is the material of choice for many applications in the bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas sectors as it presents a cost-efficient and reliable material solution.

The Nickel Institute has recently published the report “Stainless Steels: Cost-Efficient Materials for the Global Biofuels Industry” to assist bioethanol, biodiesel and biogas producers and supporting industries like process technology providers, developers, plant designers and operators see the economic benefits from selecting the appropriate grade of stainless steel.

Stamicarbon wins contracts for Erdos urea plant

Stamicarbon has been awarded two contracts for a new urea plant with Inner Mongolia Erdos Chemical Industry Group Co., Ltd. China. Stamicarbon is the Licensing and IP Center of Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. One of the contracts is for the license and process design package and the other is for supply of the high-pressure proprietary equipment for the plant.

ADIPEC 2012 promotes sustainable energy growth

Held from 11-14 November in Abu Dhabi, the 2012 ADIPEC again proved to be a superb platform for the oil and gas industries in the Middle East. Combining a leading conference as well as a major exhibition, the ADIPEC draws in supply companies and visitors from around the globe. Stainless Steel World used the occasion to talk to some of the alloy suppliers active in the region.

Invisible coating wards off metal corrosion

newsitemAccording to a paper published in the September issue of Carbon, researchers from Monash University and Rice University in the U.S.

WITT to start offering stainless steel products

 
Dome pressure regulator manufacturer, WITT has added stainless steel to its range of products.

Vallourec provides Technip with piping solutions

Vallourec has been awarded a contract to provide the Greater Stella Project in the North Sea with seamless linepipe including coating and welding services. The 96 km of coated linepipe is due to be delivered to Technip in early 2013.


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.