Materials Selection & Design

The Science Behind It: Localized Corrosion Failure of Type 316L Stainless Steel Drain Pipeline

Learn more about corrosion of stainless steel (SS) in this new Materials Performance quarterly special feature, “The Science Behind It.” Read the MP article about the root cause of a Type 316L SS closed drain line failure, then explore the science behind the corrosion problem, which is presented in several related CORROSION articles listed at the end of the article.

Scientists Add Biofilm to Protect Mortar from Moisture

Knowing that moisture can destroy mortar over time, a team of Technical University of Munich scientists developed a new process to limit water uptake by adding a biofilm while mixing the material.

Unmanned Aircraft Collect Cathodic Protection Readings on Remote Pipelines

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are being utilized more and more in various industries to safely and efficiently inspect critical assets and infrastructure that would otherwise be difficult to access.

EPA Finds Moderate or Severe Corrosion in Most Underground Diesel Tanks

In a new report on corrosion inside underground storage tanks storing diesel fuel, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found moderate or severe corrosion could affect metal components inside both steel and fiberglass tank systems.

U.S. Study Finds Millions at Risk of High Lead from Corrosive Water

A new U.S. Geological Survey assessment of more than 20,000 wells nationwide showed that untreated groundwater in 25 states and the District of Columbia was classified as potentially corrosive, thus creating a high risk for lead leaching in homes.

High Pressure Key to More Advanced Metal Alloys

A new study suggests that high pressure could be the key to developing advanced metal mixtures that are lighter, stronger, and more resistant to heat and corrosion than conventional alloys.

Detecting Corrosive Sulfides Challenges U.S. Shale Operators

Many modern tests focused on the detection of sulfate-reducing bacteria as corrosive agents in metal oil and gas pipelines could be missing a separate bacterial family also responsible for corrosion.

Degradation of a Thrust Bearing in a Lift Pump on an Electromotor Offshore Platform

This article discusses the causes of bearing failure, its avoidance, and a repair method for damaged thrust bearings.

Fluoride Corrosivity on Mild Steel in Cooling Systems

Empirical data were used to construct statistically sound models pertinent to fluoride-containing brackish water, and the models were verified against field corrosion coupon data.

New Laser Technique Aims to Reveal Hidden Damage in Metals

This U.S. research team believes a spectroscopic method known as second harmonic generation, which alters the wavelength of light, can be adapted to look for signs of internal damage in metals.

Terahertz Waves Detect Early Corrosion in Concrete-Encased Steel

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology have developed a noninvasive technique utilizing terahertz radiation that reveals corrosion in concrete-encased steel before it can cause any significant degradation of the structure.

Cold Spray Technology Designed to Repair Commercial Aircraft Parts

A joint project by The University of Akron and Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services is targeting “cold spray” repair of corroded and worn parts on commercial aircraft.

Corrosion Analysis in Automotive Electronics

This investigation used an analysis with the Auger electron spectroscopy technique to characterize the corrosion in a microelectronic component utilized to activate automobile airbags.

Corrosion Management and Cost Optimization

A better appreciation of the various components of typical corrosion costs in the oil and gas industry could further facilitate their optimization.

Plastic Cooling Towers Cut Costs, Corrosion Risk in Sintering Operations

For metalworking operations using extreme heat, a recent case study found that engineered plastic cooling towers could provide effective cooling without corroding.