Monday, June 10, 2019

Handy Facts About Pitting Corrosion

By Christopher Kelly


Many persons working in the construction or engineering industry may find metal as one of the most flexible materials to work with. Considering that it has a large variety of alloys and can be applied to several projects, one can easily see its overall appeal. However, there are certain instances where its durability can become a safety issue. Here are some things you need to know about rust pitting.

The first thing we need to know first is its definition. Pit corrosion refers to damage in a particular area of a metal. Its defining characteristic is the fact that it looks like a collection of holes or pits, thus making the surface look hollow and unsafe. Considering that it starts at a molecular level first, it may be hard for users to detect early signs of damage until it is too late.

There are several factors that can attribute to the cause of this issue. Regardless of how stable or durable your material is, the number one factor that causes pitting is the environment where natural processes can break down the components of your metal. Some examples of items easily susceptible to this phenomenon include stainless steel, stainless alloy, and aluminum alloy to name a few.

To expand on the environmental factor, this includes chemical and mechanical damage to the protective oxide film. For chemical factors, this could either be due to excess acidity, high concentrations of chloride, and low dissolved oxygen concentrations. Since they target at a chemical level, most often find it hard to detect the first signs of damage.

One final factor we should also consider is the mix of both metal and nonmetal compositions. Certain projects that require using different materials often use hybrid materials to make up for what the other lacks. While this is a good idea in theory, it also has a higher chance of developing surface damage since certain aspects become more fragile than others.

With these factors to keep in mind, clients are expected to follow a series of preventive steps before they set off to work their project. One example is selecting the right kind of material that best suits your project. To reduce your chances of developing corrosion later on, consider using options with higher alloy compared to ones with lesser amount.

Second is applying effective coating. Industrial coating is a handy substance that serves as a protective layer to keep your project safe from harm. During application, make sure to follow the set directions as closely as possible to ensure that every surface has an even amount of coating. Follow this up with a routine inspection check to identify whether it needs a touch up.

Last is having a sense of control over certain factors. Indoor projects that involve metal can be kept safe from harm by following certain measures. These include making sure your pH levels, chloride concentrations, and temperatures are at an ideal setting. Otherwise, it could lead to exacerbation of pit formation thus shortening the lifespan of your hard work.

Last but not least is to apply proper industrial coating. Projects that are meant to be placed outside run the risk of incurring environmental damage caused by shifting weather and temperatures. In order to keep them functioning for a long time, make sure to utilize industrial coating to your materials to keep them safe. Additionally, it also helps to check your project every so often to see whether or not they stay stable. Good luck.




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