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.

Shell plant tour great success

Stainless Steel World 2001 Conference's pre-conference seminar and technical plant tour at Shell Pernis was a great success.

Swaging units to reduce installation time and cost

Swagelok Company has introduced the Swagelok air-actuated hydraulic swaging unit (AHSU), the industry’s first air-actuated device for swaging multiple fractional and metric tube-fitting sizes.

Philip Cornes boosts nickel alloy capacity

Philip Cornes, a European distributor of nickel alloys and heat and corrosion-resistant stainless steels, has further increased its flat product processing capability with a new waterjet machining centre.

Titanium welding purge monitor

What is thought to be the only Welding Purge Monitor designed specifically for the welding of Titanium has been developed by Huntingdon Fusion Techniques Ltd.

40th Annual Conference of Metallurgists

The Materials Performance and Integrity Section of CIM is organising two international symposia in conjunction with the 40th Annual Conference of Metallurgists, to be held in Montreal, Canada, on 11-14 August 2002.

Fast track delivery for CRA-clad valves

L&N have announced that its new, fully automated pulse TIG cladding station is now up and running in Aberdeen, UK.

PFA-lined ball valve for highest purity use

Corrosion Resistant Products (CRP) has introduced a new range of PFA-lined, stainless steel-bodied ball valves with a blow out-proof stem construction designed to be effective even in the unlikely event of the top works being dismantled in service.

Sandvik duplex and super duplex used for drilling

Pioneering development by Sandvik Steel and by key customers in the offshore oil and gas industries has seen Sandvik's duplex and super duplex stainless steels become the industry standard for hydraulic tubes in drilling risers, which provide the link between drilling platforms and equipment on the seabed.

Sandvik develops new filler material for 13Cr pipe

Sandvik Steel has developed a super duplex filler metal which matches the properties of 13% chromium super martensitic stainless steel used for pipelines in the oil and gas industries.

NACE names Littleton as Executive Director

The NACE International Board of Directors has named Jeff H. Littleton the association's Executive Director.


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.