Corrosion Rate Corrosion is something that affects all metals and it’s a fact of life that must be dealt with. The rate at which a metal succumbs to corrosion is known as the corrosion rate. There are a variety of external influences that are known to accelerate corrosion, such as pollution in the environment and the application of certain chemicals. When it comes to prolonging the durability of metallic components, understanding the corrosion rate is key.
The corrosion rateis measured using mils and inches, which are calculated using a combination of surface area and time. The calculation of the corrosion rate looks like this:
Corrosion rate (mils per year) = (area of metal surface in mils) / (time - in years)
The corrosion rate of a particular material can vary greatly from one environment or solution to another, as well as from one temperature to another. Corrosion is also highly dependent on the composition of the material in question.
For example, aluminum reacts relatively rapidly to corrosion when exposed to oxygen, so it should come as no surprise that the corrosion rate of aluminum is much higher than that of steel. However, when exposed to specific solutions, such as sodium hydroxide, steel corrodes faster than aluminum.
Different materials also determine the type of corrosion that takes place. There are generally two types of corrosion – localized corrosion and general corrosion. The difference between localized and general corrosion is that localized corrosion attacks the metal in small, focused areas while general corrosion attacks the entire surface of the metal evenly. These two types of corrosion can be conducive to different rates depending on the corrosion mechanisms involved.
Understanding the corrosion rate of a material is extremely important for a variety of industries, including transportation, engineering and construction, energy, and offshore operations. Corrosion can cause significant damage to structures and components, not to mention the safety risks it can create if the material fails because of it. This is why regular examination and monitoring of materials is so important.
Furthermore, corrosion protection methods such as anodizing, galvanization, and painting can be used to increase the durability of components and structures in corrosive environments. These methods slow down the corrosion rate and can help to prolong the lifespan and reduce maintenance needs of materials.
In conclusion, corrosion rate is an important factor to consider when dealing with metallic components and structures. Understanding, monitoring, and mitigating the rate of corrosion is a must for any industry or organization, as it can help to ensure the safety of the components and reduce maintenance costs.
