| Corrosion
is a natural process and universal phenomena worldwide. Corrosion
of metals cost the U.S. economy almost $ 300 billion per year
and in India $ 200 billion per year, which is around 4.2% of
gross domestic product [1978 study Economic effects of metallic
Corrosion in the United States]. Corrosion is a complex phenomenon
influenced by so many factors.
Corrosion environments can be broadly
classified as atmospheric, underground/ soil waste acidic,
alkaline and combinations of these. A wide variety of acid
or alkaline conditions are encountered in common environments.
Many of the several corrosion problems
encountered in the process industries involve Acids and in
certain cases due to alkalis and solvents. Hence corrosion
is a silent killer or process floors, foundation, drain equipment
etc.,
If the corrosion problem if not tackled
timely and properly may lead to major disaster not only to
the plant building and equipment but also affect the surrounding
areas, spoiling the entire environments. Losses due to corrosion
include the plant, building, machinery etc but also include
production loss, higher load on effluent treatment plants
and loss in the quality of finished goods of many a time reduction
in safety measure. Hence timely maintenance with appropriate
materials and trained technicians shall prevent unnecessary
plant shut downs, wastage of time energy and the same time
huge production loss and loss of valued man power.
The following are the elements of cost
of Corrosion
| Replacement of Equipment
or buildings |
Corrosion control |
| Loss of product (Production) |
Design |
| Maintenance of repair |
Insurance |
| Excess capacity |
Parts and equipment inventory |
| Redundant Equipment |
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Hence the rate, extent and
type of corrosion attack is to be ascertained by collecting
data, site examination, site sampling, laboratory examination,
chemical analysis etc and based on the information / data
gathered preventive methods are to be taken by the selection
of appropriate materials with proper design of execution there
of. " A STICH IN TIME SAVE NINE" means timely action
prevents substantial loss. Hence corrosion prevention is a
must.
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