Predict and Prevent Crevice Corrosion
Enhance your corrosion prevention strategies with detailed predictive simulation and modeling
What is crevice corrosion?
Crevice corrosion occurs in confined spaces where stagnant solutions create a corrosive environment. This phenomenon occurs when metals, especially CRA's, are exposed to high chloride environments, like seawater. The protective oxide layer breaks down in these confined spaces, leading to aggressive localized corrosion. Over time, crevice corrosion leads to significant damage, equipment failure, costly repairs and safety hazards.
The real-world problems caused by crevice corrosion
Crevice corrosion is a significant risk to the longevity and safety of industrial equipment. Accurately predicting and preventing crevice corrosion is critical to maintaining operational efficiency and avoiding unexpected failures.
Corrosion in subsea oil and gas equipment
Subsea pipelines and wellheads that are made from duplex stainless steels are particularly vulnerable to crevice corrosion. The continuous exposure to chloride-rich seawater under low oxygen conditions leads to localized breakdown of the protective layer. Predicting the pH and chloride concentration within these crevices is essential for mitigating this risk.
Issues in reactors and storage tanks in chemical processing
Chemical plants process aggressive mixtures that exacerbate crevice corrosion, particularly in reactors and storage tanks. The chemical environments, including the dissolved metals concentration (e.g., Cr and Mo), can lead to significant localized corrosion. Predicting the corrosivity of these environments is crucial for preventing leaks and maintaining safety.
Reduced lifespan of heat exchangers in power generation and cooling systems
Crevice corrosion can occur in heat exchangers exposed to chloride-containing water. The aggressive nature of this water can lead to rapid corrosion and reduced efficiency of these units. Detailed analysis of the electrochemical conditions within these crevices is necessary to prevent such failures.
Corrosion in subsea oil and gas equipment
Subsea pipelines and wellheads that are made from duplex stainless steels are particularly vulnerable to crevice corrosion. The continuous exposure to chloride-rich seawater under low oxygen conditions leads to localized breakdown of the protective layer. Predicting the pH and chloride concentration within these crevices is essential for mitigating this risk.
Issues in reactors and storage tanks in chemical processing
Chemical plants process aggressive mixtures that exacerbate crevice corrosion, particularly in reactors and storage tanks. The chemical environments, including the dissolved metals concentration (e.g., Cr and Mo), can lead to significant localized corrosion. Predicting the corrosivity of these environments is crucial for preventing leaks and maintaining safety.
Reduced lifespan of heat exchangers in power generation and cooling systems
Crevice corrosion can occur in heat exchangers exposed to chloride-containing water. The aggressive nature of this water can lead to rapid corrosion and reduced efficiency of these units. Detailed analysis of the electrochemical conditions within these crevices is necessary to prevent such failures.
Proactively addressing crevice corrosion
Corrosion management strategies
Imagine having the capability to predict where and when crevice corrosion will occur in your systems, allowing you to implement preventive measures before significant damage occurs. By leveraging OLI advanced simulation solutions, you can model the exact thermodynamic and electrochemical conditions within crevices, giving you the insights needed to protect your assets and ensure operational reliability.
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