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.

Suncor Stainless expands line of swage fittings

Suncor Stainless, Inc. has extended their line of stainless steel machine swage fittings with the introduction of the swage eye, swage jaw, plain ball, single shank ball and double shank ball. A total of 43 new stainless steel swage fittings have been added to Suncor's line of machine swage hardware.

Exclusive interview with Sulzer Metco

We sat down with Sulzer Metco's Chad Wagner, Product Line Manager- Wires, at FabTech 2011 to discuss, among other things, the company and its products.

ECONOXX.com

ECONOXX.com is an international online trading platform for distributors, service centres, and mills for their second-choice products, slow-moving items, and excess inventory of corrosion- and heat-resistant steels as well as nickel and titanium alloys.

Netherlocks manifold interlocks

The recently released Netherlocks’ manifold interlocks ensure that instrumentation valve operation on hydraulic manifolds conforms to process protocol.

Pipeline contract to Nigeria-based firm

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has awarded a contract for line pipes worth over NGN 7.8 billion to SCC Nigeria Ltd. SPDC had earlier worked with SCC to enhance their production processes and capability, such that the company is now able to manufacture line pipes of varying diameters.

Maintenance & qualification expertise from Areva

Areva has confirmed that a team of experts will attend the upcoming Nuclear Exchange conference & networking event, which focuses on flow control and corrosion issues in nuclear power generation. Due to be held November 29 & 30,

Expertise from leading AREVA experts offered

A team of leading AREVA experts has confirmed that they will attend the upcoming Nuclear Exchange conference & networking event, which focuses on flow control and corrosion issues in nuclear power generation.

Corrosion Materials adds plasma & waterjet

Corrosion Materials, a leader in corrosion resistant alloy distribution, has added a Messer High-Definition Plasma and a second Flow Waterjet at its Baker, Louisiana facility. Both machines are designed to produce high quality parts to service the market in a cost effective manner.

New World Trade Center to use Outokumpu stainless

Outokumpu will deliver special stainless quarto plates to the new World Trade Center transit terminal, in New York at Ground zero. The company will deliver around 340mt of stainless steel quarto plates to Cimolai Spa of Italy, one of the main steel manufacturers for the new World Trade Center transit terminal.

DNV updates standard for wind turbine structures

DNV’s recognized standard for design of offshore wind turbine structures has undergone a revision process along with the wind energy industry. The updated standard which is now available, aims to reduce cost and increase safety.


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.