Maintenance

5 Effective Methods to Prevent Pipe Corrosion

If you find yourself worrying about pipe corrosion and its potential impact on your projects, you’re not alone in this concern. The global cost of corrosion has been estimated at a staggering $2.5 trillion. Besides the financial cost, corrosion can lead to production downtime, workplace injuries, and even loss of life. Additionally, it’s difficult to detect without specialised equipment.

Despite all these challenges, there’s no need to be afraid of corrosion. You can take action to prevent this pesky metal destroyer from wreaking havoc on your pipes and your budget. We’ve got you covered with all the information you need to understand what pipe corrosion is and how to stop it.

Pitting Corrosion: An In-Depth Analysis
Crevice Corrosion: An In-Depth Analysis
Galvanic Corrosion: An In-Depth Analysis

What Causes Pipe Corrosion?

Pipe corrosion is caused by contact between metal and various substances, such as water, oxygen, grime, or other metals. Each of these elements triggers corrosion for different reasons, causing a chemical reaction that weakens the metal by losing electrons.

When an electrolyte like water comes in contact with the metal, the electrons are encouraged to leave, making it vulnerable to destructive chemical reactions. This can lead to rust, cracks, and holes, problems pipes are especially prone to.

Once corrosion starts, it becomes self-perpetuating and gets worse over time. However, there are effective ways to prevent corrosion from damaging piping or other materials. Here are five methods to combat corrosion:

1. Be Mindful of Water Usage With Pipes

To prevent corrosion, it’s important to maintain a proper pH level in copper piping, as water is a major cause of such damage. The EPA recommends keeping the pH of your water between 6.5 and 8.5.

It’s also important to monitor oxygen levels in your water, as it can lead to rust and blockages. To minimise the risk of corrosion, try to keep the water temperature low whenever possible, as hotter water has a higher tendency to cause damage.

2. Maintain Clean Pipes

Corrosive bacteria can cause microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) when metals are exposed to them. To prevent MIC, it is advisable to keep the pipes clean, especially when they come in contact with sulphides regularly. One can use biocides or inhibitors to keep fluids clean. Alternatively, chemical treatment for water or other liquids can also be considered.

3. Apply Protective Coating to Metal Surfaces

Preventing corrosion is crucial for the longevity and safety of pipes and other surfaces. One effective method is to apply protective linings or special coatings. This can include galvanisation, which adds a layer of zinc to metallic surfaces like steel or iron. Additionally, using a sealant can help keep corrosive bacteria from settling into joints or crevices, further reducing the risk of corrosion.

ORAPI RECOMMENDS:

PROTOR 842 — 0842

Clear Corrosion Protection

PROTOR 842 serves as a water displacement corrosion inhibitor, specifically formulated to safeguard steel, brass, and aluminum components or assemblies after machining, degreasing, or cleaning, providing effective corrosion protection.

ORAPI RECOMMENDS:

PROTOR SG 100 — 0804

Medium Term Corrosion Protection

Anti-corrosion, water-repellent protective product that produces a semi-greasy film. (Available in red 804 and colourless 791).
In the workshop, PROTOR SG 100 is designed to protect parts awaiting machining, final packaging or surface treatment.
Protects tools and injection moulds.
Storage between machining operations or long-term storage.

ORAPI RECOMMENDS:

PROTOR WB — 0841

Temporary Corrosion Protection & Cleaner

PROTOR WB (formerly known as A-4320) shields steel articles from rust formation during the rinsing and drying process post-cleaning. Its incorporation into the rinse water induces a ‘passive’ state on the surface, preventing the onset of rust. This protective phase, enduring for up to 3 weeks, facilitates subsequent procedures such as painting, welding, or further processing.

4. Maintain Structural Stability

Metal components are prone to wear and tear due to friction, jiggling, and bouncing. Such wear and tear can result in the formation of openings, which increases the chances of crevice corrosion caused by the accumulation of corrosive material.

To prevent crevice corrosion, we recommend using a restraint like U-bolts, straps, and clamps. These restraints help to reduce vibrations that can lead to corrosion and thus extend the lifespan of the metal components.

5. Prevent Direct Contact Between Metals

Metals don’t always play well together. When two different types of metals come into contact, it can lead to galvanic corrosion. In simple terms, one metal steals electrons from the other metal, causing the metal to weaken and the overall structure to be compromised.

To prevent metal-to-metal corrosion, it’s best to insulate the metal. For example, if you’re dealing with piping, you can install insulators like pipe shoes or wear pads. These insulators provide a barrier between the metals, which helps to keep them from deteriorating and prolongs their durability.

Conclusion: Prevent Pipe Corrosion

In a world where the financial toll of corrosion stands at a staggering $2.5 trillion, the threat posed by pipe corrosion looms large, potentially causing production downtime, workplace hazards, and substantial financial losses. However, understanding the causes and employing preventive measures against corrosion offers hope. By maintaining optimal water conditions, using protective coatings, keeping pipes clean, ensuring structural stability, and preventing direct metal contact, corrosion can be mitigated effectively. Embracing these methods safeguards pipes, secures budgets, and enhances safety. With proactive measures and informed strategies, the battle against pipe corrosion can be won, ensuring the resilience and longevity of vital infrastructure.

5 Effective Methods to Prevent Pipe Corrosion