6 Corrosion Prevention Techniques You Need to Know About
Looking for some corrosion prevention techniques?
Corrosion is when metal deteriorates due to moisture and air. Oxidizing agents change the chemical composition of the metal. This is what turns your shiny metal pipe into a brittle rusted one.
Global expenditure on corrosion amasses a whopping USD 2.5 trillion. This doesn’t even account for individual safety costs and environmental impacts.
Deteriorated beams weaken a building’s structural integrity. This causes many safety risks, such as sudden collapses. Pipes can even leak poisonous substances into your water system.
Save yourself from buying replacements and be safe from hazards and emergencies. Instead, take a look at these six tips and tricks on how to prevent corrosion.
1. Invest in Your Metal
Some metals will corrode more than others. Pure iron, for instance, is highly reactive.
However, when mixed with alloys, you can produce stainless steel. This makes it far more resistant to corrosion than iron.
Titanium is resistant to corrosion without the need for maintenance or repair. This makes them ideal for coastal areas and in medical implants, such as pacemakers. You wouldn’t want that corroding in your body.
Aluminum also has inert qualities and is excellent against corrosion. You can even opt for nonmetals such as carbon fiber for material!
2. Keep it Dry
Since corrosion arises from metals reacting with gases and water. Controlling these parameters will limit the potential for corrosion in the first place. In addition, reducing free-flowing air and wicking away at moisture will prolong your material’s lifespan.
3. Avoid scratches
Scratches serve as minute access points for corrosive agents to penetrate the metal. Protect high activity areas by modifying their design or adding protective covering. Lubrication helps components where friction is unavoidable, such as for fulcrums.
4. Protective coating
Exposed metal is always the most vulnerable to corrosion. You can opt for a protective or sacrificial coating.
These protective coatings are usually inert and have high resistance against corrosion. Epoxy, urethane, acrylic, and polyester are common types of coatings.
5. Opt for Galvanization
Prevent corrosion by galvanizing your metal. A layer of zinc will coat the iron or steel.
This layer will react with the elements before the iron does and forms an insoluble adherent patina. In addition, the impermeability of the coating promotes corrosion prevention.
6. Proper Maintenance
If you see signs of corrosion like paint chipping, pits, rust, or flaking, contact corrosion repair and maintenance services.
Before chucking a large sum of money on new materials, aim for the reparative route. Restore your material into operating conditions that comply with inspection and functionality standards. Instill maintenance into your building routines to avoid expensive replacements and minimize expenses.
Save Your Building and Save Your Cash with Corrosion Prevention
Sturdy materials make a sturdy building. Ensure your components last by wicking away dirt and moisture. Don’t give corrosion the chance to infiltrate your beams: avoid scratches and opt for protective coating.
Spruce it up by investing in galvanization and stainless steel. Here at RAK corp, we take your emergencies, repairs, and maintenance needs seriously. Contact us today to learn more about corrosion prevention and maintenance!
