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.

New Hastelloy corrosion loop at IFE

Norway's Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) has opened a new corrosion test loop built entirely in the nickel alloy Hastelloy C-276.

New flux-core wire

Techalloy (a division of Arcelor) has introduced its Techalloy 625 FCA, which aims to combine the ease of use of a flux-core wire with nickel alloy applications.

High speed SAW clads tube sheets with SS

Specialised weld overlay cladding from Arc Energy Resources has been specified by Wellman Graham to provide corrosion protection on heat exchanger tube sheets destined for a new methanol plant in Trinidad.

Sassda awards sponsors

The Steloy Foundry Group has joined a select group of industry role players in sponsoring the 2004 Stainless Steel Awards.

Arc energy cladding

Specialised weld overlay cladding from Arc Energy Resources has been specified by Wellman Graham to provide corrosion protection on heat exchanger tube sheets destined for a new methanol plant in Trinidad.

Sandvik expands size range

Sandvik Materials Technology has expanded its manufacturing and stock programme for enhanced machinability stainless steel hollow bar.

Stainless steel water gates

A total of 520 tonnes of stainless steel were used in this wastewater treatment project in Alabama, USA, according to an article by Carroll McCormick in Nickel Magazine, July 2004.

Improved stainless welding

Esab has supplied equipment for welding stainless steel to a UK tanker manufacturer.

Battle against corrosion

As part of the annual conference of NACE International held in New Orleans, nine corrosion specialists recently presented their views on the technical challenges facing the global chemical process industry.

Philip Cornes increases stocks of Alloy 825

Specialist nickel alloy distributor, Philip Cornes, part of the TW Metals Group, has increased its stocks of the nickel-iron-chromium Alloy 825, in response to market demand.


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.