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.

Hydraulic swaging unit

Swagelok® Co. offers an air-actuated hydraulic swaging unit for swaging multiple fractional and metric tube-fitting sizes. Designed to reduce make-up torque and installation time, the unit features interchangeable, corrosion-resistant, stainless steel tooling.

Undersea pipeline corrosion monitoring

A new joint industry programme, launched by InterCorr Intl. Inc. and Shell Global Solutions, a division of Shell Oil Products Co., will investigate cost-effective and reliable systems for monitoring corrosion and flow assurance in subsea pipelines.

Corrosion Materials forms new division

Corrosion Materials (Louisiana, USA) has formed a Titanium Alloys Division to market all grades of titanium in all product forms.

Alloy integrated fluid system solution

A challenge posed by the oil and gas industry and an ambitious product development relationship between Sandvik Steel AB and Swagelok Company has led to a new SAF 2507 alloy integrated fluid system solution that performs in highly corrosive, chloride-containing environments, such as oil and gas exploration and production activities.

Fifth Annual Meeting of ISSF

The world’s stainless steel industry met on 6–8 May in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and agreed a new way forward for the industry.

52nd Sea Horse Institute Conference

The 52nd Sea Horse Institute, a marine corrosion conference, will be held August 13-16, 2001 in Myrtle Beach South Carolina, USA.

CorrOcean acquires HMC-Corlab bv

CorrOcean ASA has reached an agreement to acquire HMC-Corlab bv with retrospectrive legislation on the 1st of January 2001.

Increased corrosion resistance

The Efremov Research Institute of Electrophysical Apparatus (NIIEFA), based in St Petersburg, has developed a technology to increase the wear and corrosion resistance and fatigue strength of different items from metals and alloys by 200–400%.


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.