Corrosion of industrial assets results in massive financial losses and significant environmental and safety risks. As a result, it’s important to prevent, detect and control corrosion before a catastrophe happens.
Importance of corrosion science
If we know exactly how corrosion occurs, we can better prevent it or reduce its effect on our piping, tank, vessels and other assets. Whenever we hear about corrosion, immediately we think about metals, which is why scientists and engineers continuously look for or attempt to design substitute materials that won’t corrode in the first place.
Aside from new materials, scientists also aim to find and design new coatings that have improved corrosion resistance. The coating should form a strong chemical bond with the surface as well as resist the substances and the surrounding air and water. In other words, the coating should be relatively inert which is why the common choice is based on polymers. Many of the synthetic polymers we know are relatively inert and offer high resistance against substances and environmental exposure.
Even with the recent findings and advances about corrosion science and prevention (and new solutions and approaches that could better control corrosion), for now we still have to focus on early and accurate corrosion detection. This way, we can immediately repair or replace the part or asset before it causes a major leak or a disaster in the site.
Early and accurate corrosion detection requires reliable and proven methods of inspection. In addition, the devices and equipment for the detection should provide accurate readings as well as speed and portability. In industrial assets and material components there are difficult-to-access areas (or hazardous sites whether because of the elevation or exposure), which is why the device should be portable or if as much as possible can be operated through a drone. Also, we’re dealing with kilometres-long piping and towers as well as tanks, aircrafts and other assets with huge surface areas.
As a result, it’s important to choose an inspection method (together with its device and equipment) that meets those criteria (accuracy, speed, portability). That is what we’ve been doing here at NDT Equipment Sales. Our technical team assists engineers and technicians choose the optimal method and device for detecting corrosion. We continuously update our selection to better match the evolving requirements of our clients. Contact us today for more information.
