Time-Tested Performance
The definition of corrosion is simply the partial or complete wearing away, dissolving or softening of any substance by chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment. In your industry there may be one or more types of corrosion at work:
- Crevice Corrosion
a localized corrosion situated in existing crevices like scratches, scoring, etc. - Pitting Corrosion
extreme case of localized corrosion attack which results in creation of cavities or pits on the substance. - Fretting Corrosion
accelerated form of corrosion where two surfaces contact each other under motion – as in heavy machinery, hinges, etc. - Erosion Corrosion
accelerated form of corrosion when corrosive fluids run across the metal surface. (Common in fertilizer and chemical storage.) - Cavitation Corrosion
corrosion created when metal collapses and results in breaking of protective surface membrane on metal. - Stress Corrosion
combination of tensile stress and corrosion erosion. - Intergranular Corrosion
corrosion occurring at joints and/or grain boundaries on the metal. Stainless steel is particularly susceptible to this type of corrosion. - Microbiological Corrosion
deterioration caused directly by bacteria, fungi, algae, mold, or fungus. (Common in clay-type soils.) - High-temperature Corrosion
occurs where metals are in contact with flames as in furnaces, flues, etc.
While much more can be said about the technical side of corrosion and its effects, corrosion can be an expensive challenge unless prevented.