3.

8 EROSION CORROSION
(Kakisan Hakisan)
Eroded-corroded cast iron water pump
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
GEOLOGI CAL PERSPECTI VE
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
DEFI NI TI ON
Acceleration in the rate of
corrosion attack in metal due to
the relative motion of a corrosive
fluid and a metal surface

The increased turbulence caused
by pitting on the internal
surfaces of a tube can result in
rapidly increasing erosion rates
and eventually a leak
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
DEFI NI TI ON
Erosion corrosion can also be aggravated
by faulty workmanship.

For example, burrs left at cut tube ends
can upset smooth water flow, cause
localized turbulence and high flow
velocities, resulting in erosion corrosion.

A combination of erosion and corrosion
can lead to extremely high pitting rates.
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
EXAMPL ES
Boat Propeller
Pipeline
Copper impeller
Pipeline
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
FACTORS
Erosion-corrosion is most prevalent in soft alloys (i.e. Cu, Al and
Pb alloys).

Alloys which form a surface film in a corrosive environment
commonly show a limiting velocity above which corrosion rapidly
accelerates.

With the exception of cavitation, flow induced corrosion
problems are generally termed erosion-corrosion, encompassing
flow enhanced dissolution and impingement attack.

The fluid can be aqueous or gaseous, single or multiphase.

There are several mechanisms described by the conjoint action of
flow and corrosion that result in flow-influenced corrosion
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
MECHANI SM
Source: Flow-Accelerated Corrosion By Marvin D. Silbert, Marvin Silbert and Associates, From The Analyst, Fall 2002
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
MECHANI SM
The attack is accelerated at elbows,
tube constrictions, burrs, and other
structural features that alter flow
direction or velocity, and increase
turbulence.

Erosion-corrosion takes the form of
grooves, waves, gullies, teardrop-
shaped pits, and horseshoe-shaped
undercutting in the surface.

The effects of the hydrodynamic are
not well understood. Undercutting
may occur in either upstream or the
downstream direction.

turbulent eddies thin the protective
film locally to produce undercutting,
which is seen in the accompanying
photograph.

Photograph of erosion-corrosion showing individual
teardrop shaped pits with undercutting in the
downstream direction
Schematic of turbulent eddy mechanism for downstream
undercutting of erosion-corrosion pits
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
MECHANI SM
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/assets/imported/transforms/site/research-
project/CB_RImg/89462B0110E2407AA2F9BAB0DF393FDD/birkin7_1.gif_SIA%20-%20JPG%20-%20Fit%20to%20Width_800_true.jpg
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
MECHANI SM
Erosion-corrosion mechanism
map for Fe at 90 Degrees at pH
7 developed from mathematical
models.

Regimes of erosion-corrosion
are based on the ratios of the
erosion to corrosion
contributions.
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
MECHANI SM
Erosion-corrosion
wastage map for Fe at
90 degrees at pH 7.
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
PREVENTI ON
1. MATERIAL SELECTION

Select materials with better
resistance to erosion-
corrosion.

Represent the economical
solution to most erosion-
corrosion problems
3.8 EROSION CORROSION
PREVENTI ON
2. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS.
Streamline the flow, avoid designs that
create turbulence.
Minimize abrupt changes in flow
direction.
Introduce smooth aerodynamic or
hydrodynamic flow channels; avoid
roughly textured surfaces.
Carefully align pipe sections.
Avoid flow obstructions in design or
obstructions that can arise under
operations, increase the thickness of
material in vunerable areas, install
renewable impingement plates or
baffles, and design for easy repair by
using interchangeable parts.

3.8 EROSION CORROSION
PREVENTI ON
3. Alteration of environment
Decrease fluid stream
speed to achieve laminar
flow, regulate the
concentration of dissolved
oxygen in the environment
to achieve optimal film-
forming characteristics,
provide falters for removal
of suspended solids, and
provide condensed
moisture traps in vapour
lines.
Temperature, deaeration,
inhibitors etc.

3.8 EROSION CORROSION
PREVENTI ON
4. Specification of
suitable coatings or
linings.
Use of hard-facing
may be helpful in
some situations and
resilient barriers may
be helpful in others,
e.g., cavitation.

3.8 EROSION CORROSION
PREVENTI ON
5. CATHODIC PROTECTION
Provide cathodic
protection whenever
possible

The End of Chapt er 3