Liquids are substances that are very important in many industrial processes, from the chemical to the rubber and plastic industry. As such, liquids are often exposed to very high temperatures, pressures, and stresses which can cause them to become corrosive and cause damage to the materials they come in contact with. Corrosive liquids can cause a variety of problems such as corrosion of pipes and other materials, as well as environmental contamination. This article will discuss the basics of liquid corrosion and the ways to prevent it.
The most common form of corrosion caused by liquids is known as abrasion corrosion. This occurs when a liquid comes into contact with a surface and causes the surface to lose some of its metal ions or bond structure. It is often caused by a mixture of water and metal reactions, and can occur with any type of liquid, including acids, bases, and solvent-based liquids. The more intense the temperature, pressure, and stress that the liquid is exposed to, the more severe the abrasion corrosion can be.
In order to prevent liquid corrosion, it is important to be aware of what types of liquids are being used and the conditions at which they are being used. For instance, high temperatures can greatly increase the rate of corrosion. Temperature should therefore be monitored and controlled when working with corrosive liquids. Additionally, contact with substances that can cause chemical reactions should be avoided, since these chemical reactions can cause corrosion.
Permeation corrosion is another type of corrosion caused by liquids. This type of corrosion occurs when a liquid passes through a material, such as a steel or aluminum pipe, and gets trapped by the material’s pores. The trapped liquid then causes the material to corrode from the inside out. It is important to note that some types of materials are more prone to permeation corrosion than others.
Finally, it is important to remember that liquid corrosion can occur even if no corrosive liquid is present. Even if a material is made from a substance that does not corrode easily, the liquid can still cause corrosion to occur due to its action on the material’s surface. For this reason, protective coatings should be used when necessary to prevent liquid corrosion.
In summary, liquid corrosion is a major problem that can occur in many different industrial settings. In order to prevent liquid corrosion, it is important to be aware of the types of liquids being used and the conditions at which they are being used. Additionally, protective coatings should be used when possible to protect against corrosion. With these precautions in place, the risk of liquid corrosion can be greatly reduced.
