What You Should Know About Corrosion Failure Analysis
Imagine high concentrations of chlorine and sulfur on the surface of a pipe! Chlorides and sulfates are corrosive to low-carbon steel tubes. An analysis can identify whether sulfur-reducing microbes are contributing to the malfunction of the pipe. Bacteria may be found in soil or liquid. Interaction between sulfates and the metal surface creates a border coating of hydrogen. The microbes oxidize the hydrogen, producing hydrogen sulfide which is linked with the cause of rust damage in high-hardness weldments and high-strength steel utilized in gas and oil production, petrochemical processing, and petroleum refining.
What is corrosion testing? Labs conduct corrosion testing to solve, prevent, or alleviate corrosion problems. These examinations give helpful info for decisions concerning the choice of materials and processing. Correct material selection for equipment and piping helps to eliminate future failures. It may also point to opportunities to enhance performance. Routine resting utilized in industrial applications is needed to confirm conformance to quality standards. Immersion examination is the most famous type of corrosion test employed in assessing materials. It is an adaptable process that can be tailored to meet individual needs. The testing tools expose the sample to experiment solutions and then to various metallurgical or physical situations. There are several corrosion testing methods that help avoid losses.
What is corrosion failure analysis? Failure analysis entails metallurgical investigations of metals, linings and structures, alloys, components, equipment, and coatings, metal misapplication and failure, and environmental degradation and abuse. Such investigations are often required in the refining, oil and gas, pulp and paper industries, and chemical processing. Corrosion leaves behind a model that can be examined using optical and scanning microscopy. A methodical analysis should include information regarding the environmental circumstances to which the samples were exposed. People who are requesting a corrosion failure analysis should ensure they find answers to queries such as ‘what was streaming through?’, ‘how are the build terms?’ ‘how was the process solution running through the assemblies?’, and ‘how were they oriented concerning the ground?’. Material safety data sheets on materials flowing through every piping assembly or held in tanks may help in comprehending the factors contributing to the failure. The corrosion failure analysis laboratory process has three steps, namely, identifying the corrosion product; metallographic organization of sample areas like sectioning, cleaning, polishing, and etching; and investigation of the corroded samples for infiltration or crack surfaces that can relent info about the corrosion mechanism.
Who needs to know? Of all industrial issues engineers face, few are more economically vital than the avoidance of metallic corrosion as well as mechanical malfunction. Corrosion failures cost lots of money globally each year. Reducing or preventing corrosion increases the output and efficiency in every company and might save lives. Consider the pipeline, facility, or equipment you’re accountable for. Corrosion testing might help in lessening repairs, downtime, and the danger of failure. A failure analysis could determine decisions for the next equipment install or turnaround, as well as for enhancing safety. Corrosion failure analysis benefits you and your company.