Corrosion Protection for Commercial Applications
- Author Robert Nicholson
- Published September 25, 2019
- Word count 472
The metals most commonly used in commercial and construction applications – including steel and copper – corrode when exposed to oxygen and moisture. That’s a big problem, but especially critical when used in applications such as pipelines and storage tanks, or supporting members in buildings and bridges.
What is Corrosion?
Corrosion is an electro-chemical reaction in which oxygen combines with the metal to form an oxide which is much weaker and less durable than the metal itself. On iron and steel, we call this oxide rust.
The corrosion process actually involves several chemical steps, but it begins with the release of free electrons from the metal. The metal is said to act as an anode.
History
The problem of corrosion has been recognized as long as metals have been used. Serious, scientific efforts to fight corrosion began in the 1800s.
In a paper presented to the Royal Society in London in 1824, Sir Humphry Davy proposed using a sacrificial metal to combat erosion. By attaching metal which made a better anode than the metal being protected, corrosion could be prevented. However, the attached metal – called the sacrificial metal or sacrificial anode – would corrode away and need to be replaced.
This method was tested by the British Navy, which used iron or zinc blocks attached to the hulls of ships to protected the copper-sheathed hulls from corrosion. Later, zinc blocks were used to protect steel-sheathed hulls.
In the 1930s and 1940s, sacrificial anodes made of iron were used to protect steel pipelines.
Coatings
Metals can also be protected by coatings which prevent the metal from coming in contact with moisture or oxygen. The challenge of this method is creating coatings that are durable enough to survive harsh environments and conditions. (The modern paint finishes used on cars are very durable and offer great protection for steel bodies, but they are too expensive for industrial applications.)
Another common technique is galvanizing steel by applying a zinc coating. The zinc coating actually corrodes, but unlike the rust that forms on steel, and quickly flakes away, zinc oxide forms a stable coating on the surface, which slows further corrosion. The zinc coating – found on galvanized nails and similar products – can therefor last for many years.
Impressed Current Cathodic Protection
A more modern method for protecting steel structures, tanks, and pipelines is called impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP). In this method, a DC electrical current provides free electrons, which flow to the steel (which then acts as a cathode rather than an anode). This prevents the steel from releasing electrons, and breaks the first step in the corrosion process.
Modern ICCP systems require minimum current, and easily verifiable monitoring.
Choosing an appropriate method to protect metal from corrosion is a critical component in any large scale construction project. Many engineering firms today provide corrosion protection services for their clients.
For information on Cathodic Corrosion Protection, contact the Alisto Engineering Group.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Fintechzoom IBM Stock: Powerful!
- Building a Professional Website on a Budget: Using Free Tools like WordPress and AI
- Navigating Vietnam's Tourist Immigration: Challenges and Solutions
- Bitcoin FintechZoom
- Google SEO Updates 2024 Jackyan
- Cost-Effective Gardening: Tips for Enhancing Your Garden on a Budget
- Steve Wozniak: WOZ
- Keeping Your Garage Door Running Smoothly: A Guide to Drum Replacement with GarageDoorMagnolia
- When Your Garage Door Goes Rogue: Off-Track Repair in Tacoma and Seattle
- Same Day Service? Kiki Garage Door Repairs Your Garage Door Fast in Sammamish, WA
- Cost-Effective Strategies for Business Owners in 2024: Maintaining Efficiency Without Reducing Staff
- Navigating Compliance for Personal and Professional Contributions
- Smart Savings: The Benefits of Buying Out of Season
- Youtube To MP3 Converter -- Free
- The Benefits of Outdoor Training
- A Fashionable, Artistic, and Modern Adventure: Three Days in Paris
- Why buy stock footage on mediaCastpro? Here are the benefits.
- GoPDF An Online PDF Editor Releases Mobiles Apps Compatible with iOS & Android: A Faster Solution for PDF Editing
- The Best AI Logo Generators in 2024
- How to prepare for a house clearance, a few tips from experts
- Adapting to Rising Parcel Rates in 2024 with Business Central and Order Ship Express
- Not All LED Lights Are Created Equal
- Zoviz Launches New Solutions Day by Day to Users as An AI Logo Maker
- Campervan Maintenance: All You Need to Know
- Fighting the Silent Epidemic: Safeguard Your Child's Future with Vitamin D Screening at KinderCure | Dr. Garima Mengi
- 5 Inspiring Stories of Women Who Achieved Gorgeous Lashes with Careprost Eye Drops
- Is Your Finance Strategy Ready for ERP Software?
- A Beginner's Guide to Starting a Career in Web3
- The Vital Role Of The Courier Industry: Connecting People, Businesses, And Communities
- Learning From Successes And Setbacks: The Importance Of Post-Bid Analysis In Professional Bid Writing