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.

Kanthal reduces nitrous oxide emissions

Furnace heating specialist Kanthal AB has launched Ecothal, a new gas treatment system which has the potential for reducing nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions from gas fired radiant tube heaters by over 75%.

Karl Schäfer retires from Butting

An appreciation by Sjef Roymans of Stainless Steel World

Corrosion concerns at Ohio nuclear plant

US regulators have ordered 69 nuclear plants to submit reactor safety information after finding unexpected corrosion at an Ohio plant owned by FirstEnergy Corp. that raised broader concerns.

New grade added to Sanmac hollow bar range

A new grade of Sanmac hollow bar has been added to Sandvik Steel's range of improved machinability stainless steels.

CAPCIS acquires Petroleum Research & Production

CAPCIS Systems Ltd (Manchester, UK), the supplier of corrosion management, corrosion monitoring, and integrity project management solutions, has announced the acquisition of Petroleum Research & Production Ltd (PRP), the on-line monitoring instrumentation manufacturer.

Compact cylinders from Norgren

Global pneumatics specialist Norgren has launched a new range of interchangeable compact cylinders to enhance its existing wide selection of actuator products and compact cylinder ranges.

“Virtual corrosion laboratoryâ€?

InterCorr International, an international provider of corrosion testing, monitoring and consulting services and software has formed a licensing arrangement with OLI Systems Inc. of Morristown, New Jersey. Under the terms of this agreement, InterCorr will be creating a “Virtual Corrosion Laboratoryâ€?...

Corrosion in Ohio nuke plant

US nuclear regulators have scolded FirstEnergy Corp. for failing to recognise as early as 1999 that dirty air filters covered with rust and boric acid indicated a serious problem near the company's reactor in Ohio.

New stainless for seawater applications

A Japanese producer has developed a high-molybdenum ferritic stainless steel which resists both erosion and corrosion in seawater service.

Actuated valves with stainless rod

Plast-O-Matic Valves Inc. has introduced a line of actuated thermoplastic ball valves designed specifically for clean-in-place applications.


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.