How To Prevent Atmospheric Corrosion

Corrosion compromises the performance, efficacy, and safety of metal and concrete worksites and equipment. There are several different types of corrosion, each withering surfaces in a unique way. Adopting preventative measures for each of the various kinds of corrosion can save your company thousands of dollars on equipment repairs and replacements. In this article, Dreiym Engineering navigates how to prevent atmospheric corrosion to help you safeguard your investments.

A Brief Breakdown of Atmospheric Corrosion

Before diving into preventative methods, here’s a brief description of what atmospheric corrosion is for a more complete understanding.

Atmospheric corrosion most commonly showcases itself as iron oxide, or rust. Rust removes load-bearing section and leaves stress-concentrating pits, reducing the capacity and fatigue life of the member; it does not make the underlying steel brittle.

Atmospheric corrosion is an electrochemical reaction in which iron oxidizes and dissolved oxygen is reduced within a thin film of moisture on the metal surface. Its rate is governed by the length of time the surface stays wet and by contaminants in the air, principally sulfur dioxide and airborne chlorides. Its rate is governed by the time the surface stays wet and by contaminants in the air, principally sulfur dioxide and airborne chlorides, rather than by carbon dioxide. Because atmospheric corrosion stems from the presence of moisture, it’s common that worksites in humid environments experience this type of corrosion.

Why Does It Matter?

Atmospheric corrosion can ruin even the most durable of machinery and building components. If you don’t address a corrosion issue on your company’s worksite or attempt to prevent the problem, you risk limiting the lifespan of metals that are essential in construction and manufacturing. Weakened infrastructure also hinders employee safety, something every company should prioritize.

How To Stop It From Affecting Your Worksite

Fortunately, there are effective methods to prevent atmospheric corrosion and avoid costly repairs or replacements. Because atmospherically exposed metal isn’t buried or immersed in an electrolyte, cathodic protection isn’t the right tool here; it protects the buried and submerged portions of a structure. For surfaces exposed to the air, the following methods are the most consistent ways to protect your equipment from corrosion.

• Protective Coatings: Paints and specialty barrier coatings seal the metal surface away from oxygen and moisture. Keeping coatings intact and repairing damage promptly stops rust from taking hold on the infrastructure.
• Galvanizing: A zinc layer is bonded to the steel surface. Because zinc is more active than steel, it corrodes preferentially (much like a sacrificial anode), so the underlying metal stays protected even at small breaks in the coating.
• Environmental Control: Controlling humidity and washing away salts and other contaminants that hold moisture against the metal adds another layer of defense.

At Dreiym Engineering, our team of cathodic protection contractors has a deep knowledge of all things related to corrosion and offers comprehensive corrosion consulting services. We perform a direct and comprehensive assessment of your infrastructure, equipment, or whatever asset you need to protect. Then we provide an approach that will best protect your property and employees. Contact us today to learn more about our variety of cathodic protection and corrosion surveys and receive an accurate quote for our thorough services.