Corrosion is a persistent and often silent adversary that plagues global industrial environments. From compromising structural integrity to escalating maintenance costs, the implications of corrosion are vast and complex, and missing it in systems often results in costly repairs.
Corrosion can be defined as the deterioration of materials due to chemical reactions with their surroundings. Chemical reactions, environmental conditions and material properties cause corrosion in industrial environments. Chemical reactions between metals and corrosive agents play a pivotal role, initiating processes that gradually break down the materials. Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature and pollutants can accelerate corrosion, while the inherent properties of materials, such as their composition and microstructure, also influence susceptibility.
The dangers of system degradation
Understanding the various types of corrosion is crucial for effective mitigation strategies. Types of corrosion that affect industrial systems include:
- Uniform corrosion – the most common type, which occurs evenly across a material’s surface
- Pitting corrosion, involving localised damage, while crevice corrosion occurs in confined spaces
- Galvanic corrosion, arising when dissimilar metals come into contact, creating a corrosive cell
- Stress corrosion cracking, which is a specific form induced by the combination of tensile stress and corrosive environments
Any of these can wreak havoc in pump systems and industrial environments.
The repercussions of corrosion extend beyond material degradation. Economically, corrosion leads to increased maintenance costs, repair expenses and potential production downtime. Safety is compromised as corroded structures may fail unexpectedly. Environmental impacts arise from releasing degraded materials into systems and beyond into local ecosystems. The collective consequences emphasise the need for comprehensive corrosion management strategies.
Efficient corrosion management involves a multi-faceted approach. Material selection with corrosion resistance can be a factor for new pumps; however, corrosion-resistant surface coatings are the primary corrosion prevention measure for established systems. Industrial quality coatings provide a layer of defence to shield materials from degradation and corrosion in many environments. Regular monitoring and maintenance routines are also crucial for early detection and intervention.
Seal and Protect with ARC Coatings
ARC Industrial Coatings by Chesterton are designed to meet the coating needs of various industries, including desalination and corrosion prevention. The coatings protect metal and concrete surfaces from damaging abrasion, erosion and chemical attack. The advanced materials used for these coatings have ceramic bead reinforcement and nanotechnology, enabling them to withstand even the most challenging environments. ARC Industrial Coatings revitalises worn-out surfaces and offers a cost-effective and long-term solution.
Automate in 2024 with Chesterton Connect™
Smart monitors are a must-have maintenance support tool that ensures all equipment processes run efficiently. Chesterton Connect is an advanced apparatus designed to monitor assets continually, capturing real-time data 24/7 and providing valuable information about pressure, processing temperatures, equipment vibration and surface temperature. All data and information is accessible via the user-friendly mobile app connected to multiple machine sensors, providing a comprehensive view of plant equipment and health, including equipment breakdown predictions. This alert system will help prevent unplanned downtime and asset failure onsite while providing cloud-accessible data from anywhere.
Discover Chesterton
Avoiding corrosion from occurring or managing corrosion already in place is paramount for ensuring longevity, safety, and efficiency. Ultimately, it will also extend MTBF and reduce the need for regular maintenance. Chesterton has 140 years of excellence in the field and can support companies to eliminate corrosion.
This sponsored editorial is brought to you by Chesterton. For more information, visit www.chesterton.com.
