Introduction
3
1.2.3 Loss of Product
Many times, corrosion is so severe that leakage will develop that permits loss
of product. If this leakage occurs in a pipeline, it may go undetected for an
extended period, during which time there is a continuous loss of product. If
the leaking material itself is a corrosive material, it will attack its surroundings, thus causing additional loss. There have also been cases where leakage
from underground tanks, such as gasoline, has contaminated the soil and
even in some cases made the water in wells unsuitable for use.
1.2.4 Loss of Efficiency
Corrosion in a piping system can result in the buildup of a scale. This scale
can cause a reduction in heat transfer as well as an increase in the power
required to pump the fluid through the system. The efficient operation of
other mechanical equipment can also be reduced by corrosion. This reduction in efficiency can cause an increase in operating costs as well as result in
increased fuel consumption, lubricant loss, and reduced work output.
1.2.5 Environmental Damage
Corrosion of equipment used to control atmospheric pollution resulting from
processing operations can result in a decrease in efficiency. Such a decrease permits pollutants from the manufacturing operation to enter the atmosphere.
1.2.6 Overdesign
In many instances when the corrosive effect of the system is known, additional thicknesses of vessel shells will be provided for in the design. This
is known as corrosion allowance. Because this thickness is in addition to
that required for the design conditions, an extra cost is involved. In some
instances, the actual corrosive effect is not known and consequently, for
safety reasons, a much thicker shell results.
1.3 Conservation Losses
Conservation losses apply primarily to the loss of raw material metallic
resources through wastage resulting from corrosion. Also included in this
wastage is the additional loss of energy and water reserves resulting from
the manufacturing and fabrication of the metallic components. Additional
human energy and resources are also consumed in the replacement and
redesign of corroded equipment and components.
3
1.2.3 Loss of Product
Many times, corrosion is so severe that leakage will develop that permits loss
of product. If this leakage occurs in a pipeline, it may go undetected for an
extended period, during which time there is a continuous loss of product. If
the leaking material itself is a corrosive material, it will attack its surroundings, thus causing additional loss. There have also been cases where leakage
from underground tanks, such as gasoline, has contaminated the soil and
even in some cases made the water in wells unsuitable for use.
1.2.4 Loss of Efficiency
Corrosion in a piping system can result in the buildup of a scale. This scale
can cause a reduction in heat transfer as well as an increase in the power
required to pump the fluid through the system. The efficient operation of
other mechanical equipment can also be reduced by corrosion. This reduction in efficiency can cause an increase in operating costs as well as result in
increased fuel consumption, lubricant loss, and reduced work output.
1.2.5 Environmental Damage
Corrosion of equipment used to control atmospheric pollution resulting from
processing operations can result in a decrease in efficiency. Such a decrease permits pollutants from the manufacturing operation to enter the atmosphere.
1.2.6 Overdesign
In many instances when the corrosive effect of the system is known, additional thicknesses of vessel shells will be provided for in the design. This
is known as corrosion allowance. Because this thickness is in addition to
that required for the design conditions, an extra cost is involved. In some
instances, the actual corrosive effect is not known and consequently, for
safety reasons, a much thicker shell results.
1.3 Conservation Losses
Conservation losses apply primarily to the loss of raw material metallic
resources through wastage resulting from corrosion. Also included in this
wastage is the additional loss of energy and water reserves resulting from
the manufacturing and fabrication of the metallic components. Additional
human energy and resources are also consumed in the replacement and
redesign of corroded equipment and components.