Many factors can cause issues related to pipe corrosion. It all depends on the environment and the presence of variables that can deplete the quality of materials. If the conditions are right, corrosion will happen quickly, and you will start having issues with your plumbing.
Here are some issues you should keep in mind when planning for pipe corrosion prevention and repair.
Corrosion at Joints and Seams
It is not uncommon for corrosion to take place at the joints of your plumbing. That’s because the fluid gets stuck at the point where the pipes intersect. The liquid is also more likely to stagnate at the seams where there is a change of directions.
If there is a high amount of acids, it will erode the metal at a much faster rate in these areas. High pressure can also accelerate the process of corrosion. The pressure will increase the chances that the liquid will get stuck around the seams.
Pitting Pipe Erosion
Pitting is the formation of small holes resulting from corrosion along the pipe. It often occurs when there is the presence of corrosive elements such as chloride or bromide. Sulfides and a variety of other compounds may also be responsible for pitting on pipes.
Several different factors may cause pitting. Pitting has made it complicated for engineers to design effective pipe corrosion prevention strategies. The holes may be elliptical, wide, narrow, or long. The pits are also localized and are hardly ever evenly distributed. So it may be hard to spot without routine monitoring and inspections.
External Pipe Corrosion
External corrosion is often the result of environmental variables. It is prevalent in coastal regions where the humid and saline moisture can accelerate rusting. External and chemical factors within the industry may also settle on the plumbing will, over time, cause corrosion.
Fortunately, you can prevent pipe corrosion with metal coatings, pipe wear pad, and other appropriate treatments. Since the coating can also deteriorate, the plant should inspect and treat the piping as per manufacturer recommendations.
Water Problems
When devising a pipe corrosion prevention plan, you need to understand the role of water. In industrial plants, the chances are that the fluid contains chemicals that can diminish the long-term pipeline integrity. The temperature may also speed up the process of metal erosion.
The velocity of the water can also cause turbulence, which acts as a catalyst for corrosion. The defects may be more prevalent at those points where the piping turns abruptly.
Source of Inefficiencies
Corrosion can cause inefficiencies across the industrial plant in a variety of ways. First, minerals can buildup around the heating elements of appliances reducing their capacity to heat water. The flow rate and pressure will also go down as erosion eats away the walls of the metal piping.
Corrosion can cause many problems with the plumbing within the plant. It also comes with substantial financial implications that cost the economy more than 300 billion annually. It is, therefore, advisable to be aware of the factors that can accelerate the process before installation. You also need to make monitoring and inspections part of your pipe corrosion prevention strategy. It is easier to detect erosion than when performing repairs.
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