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.

Corrosion resistant nozzles

Arc Energy Resources has been awarded a contract by Tranter PHE AB to clad twelve special nozzles for the Sweden-based company’s plate heat exchangers.

PGMSC Conference

Plymouth Tube Co.'s Energy Group will be hosting the inaugural Power Generation Material Selection Conference (PGMSC) 7-9 October 2008 at the Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, USA.

USA: mining and metals contract

Aker Solutions has been awarded the engineering, procurement and construction management for Kennecott Utah Copper Corp.'s new Molybdenum Autoclave Process (MAP) Project facility.

Stainless water tank

A new shell of a water tank belonging to the water supply department of Steel Authority of India Ltd’s Rourkela Steel Plant’s (RSP) town engineering wing, developed in house by the fabrication shop was commissioned by Mr HK Jain GM of Rourkela Steel Plant.

EASA approval for Dart Aerospace

Dart Helicopter Services has announced that their affiliated partner Dart Aerospace Ltd has received EASA approval for Bell Stainless Steel Wearplates and Wearpads for installation on its Round I Beam Float Skidtubes.

Stainless Steel Hollow Sections Handbook

Stalatube has released its Stainless Steel Hollow Sections Handbook. The book is based on the European Eurocode standards and particularly on the stainless steel part, standard EN 1993-1-4:2006 which is intended to be used mainly in the design of building and civil engineering works.

TRIM C350 synthetic coolant

Master Chemical Corp. has introduced TRIM C350 synthetic coolant for the machining and grinding of nuclear and aircraft airframe and powerplant parts and components. Using proprietary synthetic ester technology, C350 is made for machining and grinding various grades of titanium and aluminum.

Langley Alloys divests

Langley Alloys Ltd (Trent, UK) has divested its bronze alloy castings business, Meighs Castings, to MetalTek International Inc., whose HQ is in Wisconsin, USA.

Plymouth Tube supplies NASA

Four-time shuttle astronaut and United Space Alliance COO, Dan Brandenstein, visited Plymouth Tube Company's Trent Mill in recognition for the AL-6XN tubing provided for NASA's Constellation program.

DP28W duplex stainless

Sumitomo Metals Industries Ltd and Toyo Engineering Corp. have jointly developed a new duplex stainless steel called DP28W.


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.