Corrosion protection of metals is one of the most important processes in industrial infrastructure. It is estimated that annual corrosion losses worldwide amount to more than $2 trillion. However, it is important to remember that these losses are not just aesthetic. In particular, metal degradation has a significant impact on the safety and reliability of structures and equipment. Fortunately, a great deal of knowledge about the causes and types of corrosion allows us to choose the right practices and means of protection.
What is corrosion?
Corrosion is the process by which metals degrade due to chemical reactions with their surroundings. In the case of steel (which is the material from which Ekonstal Group manufactures the tanks it offers), this process involves the reaction of iron contained in steel with oxygen and water. This leads to the formation of iron oxides (rust) on the surface, which not only affects the aesthetics of steel products, but can also be an environmental hazard, which is important, for example, in the case of tanks used to store various corrosive, toxic or chemical substances.
The process of steel corrosion is complex and can be caused by a variety of reasons. These include:
- contact with moisture (from water, air and other substances), which accelerates chemical reactions,
- contact with corrosive substances present in an acidic or alkaline environment,
- contact with salt present, for example, in coastal areas or in industrial environments where it is used as an anti-icing agent,
- contact with various organic substances that promote corrosive processes,
- mechanical damage, such as scratches or abrasions that damage the anti-corrosion coatings on the steel surface,
- the presence of pollutants such as dust, smog or oils.
Corrosion of steel tanks – potential effects and consequences
Corrosion processes can have many effects, both economic and environmental. Here are some of them:
- The most important effect of corrosion is the loss of thickness and strength of steel. Rust that appears on the surface of steel weakens its structure and causes it to lose its original properties. Corrosion can lead to cracks in the tank, which poses the risk of leakage of substances stored in it.
- Corrosion causes products made of this material to wear out faster, so the need to replace the tank may arise sooner than its expected life.
- Corrosion can affect the quality of the substances stored in the tank, as rust can change their chemical composition.
- Corrosion, and the resulting damage to tanks and subsequent leakage, can pose a threat to the environment and the people operating in it.
- The cost of repairing rusted tanks can significantly affect the company’s operating costs and negatively affect its bottom line.
Corrosion protection – what it is and why it is used
Corrosion protection is usually associated with paints. However, it is a much broader subject that combines many protective and preventive techniques. Some of the most important include:
- selection of suitable materials,
- selection of protective coatings
- laboratory testing,
- monitoring of existing systems,
- analysis of operating conditions.
Therefore, in order to meet specific requirements, it is necessary to take into account a number of external conditions that have a direct impact on the level of protection applied. In today’s world, the development and complexity of manufacturing processes, such as in the chemical or petrochemical industries, also impose new stringent requirements on the properties of internal coatings. For this purpose, special systems are used to protect against the destructive effects of chemicals stored in tanks. In such cases, it is essential to analyze the type and storage conditions of the medium.
Thanks to several decades of experience in the production of steel tanks and structures, Ekonstal Group has the appropriate knowledge and know-how, which allows us to select solutions that guarantee full safety and long life of steel products. We consider corrosion protection as one of our priority areas of activity. This is because it is crucial to prolonging the life of steel structures and maintaining their original properties for the longest possible time.
What do we do to ensure the most effective corrosion protection for the tanks we manufacture? To this end, we maintain continuous cooperation with research laboratories, internationally recognized suppliers of equipment and coatings, and experts in the field of chemistry and corrosion. Ultimately, using our own experience, maintaining highly qualified personnel and performing a wide range of non-destructive testing, we deliver the highest quality products every day. These are durable, environmentally safe tanks with high corrosion resistance.
