Atmospheric corrosion bimetallic

The classification given in Table 1.2 is based on the various forms that corrosion may take, but the terminology used in describing corrosion phenomena frequently places emphasis on the environment or cause of attack rather than the form of attack. Thus the broad classification of corrosion reactions into wet or dry is now generally accepted, and the nature of the process is frequently made more specific by the use of an adjective that indicates type or environment, e.g. concentration—cell corrosion, crevice corrosion, bimetallic corrosion and atmospheric corrosion. 

There are many special factors controlling atmospheric bimetallic corrosion that entitle it to separate treatment. The electrolyte in atmospheric corrosion consists of a thin condensed film of moisture containing any soluble contaminants in the atmosphere such as acid fumes from industrial atmospheres and chlorides from marine atmospheres. This type of electrolyte has two characteristics which are summarised in a paper by Rosenfel d . 

Kucera, V. and Mattson, E., Atmospheric Corrosion of Bimetallic Structures, ex Atmospheric Corrosion, 561, J. Wiley and Sons, (1982)... 

General corrosion is the most common form of corrosion. This can be uniform (even), quasi-uniform, or uneven. General corrosion accounts for the greatest loss of metal or material. Electrochemical general corrosion in aqueous media can include galvanic or bimetallic corrosion, atmospheric corrosion, stray current dissolution, and biological corrosion (Table 1.1). 

Zero resistance ammeter Galvanic current between dissimilar metal electrodes in suitable electrolyte Indicate polarity and direction of bimetallic corrosion. Useful as dewpoint detector of atmospheric corrosion or leak detection behind linings Infrequent... 

Further information on atmospheric bimetallic corrosion can be found in References... 

Bimetallic corrosion in atmospheres is confined to the area of the less noble metal in the vicinity of the bimetallic joint, owing to the high electrolytic resistance of the condensed electrolyte film. Electrolytic resistance considerations limit the effective anodic and cathodic areas to approximately equal size and therefore prevent alleviation of atmospheric galvanic corrosion through strict application of the catchment area principle. 

This particular topic remains vital but often controversial especially when attempts are made to codify practice and opinion. The British Standards Institution have published a Commentary on corrosion at bimetallic contacts and its alleviation which represents an important first attempt to produce such a code. It lists 23 metals and alloys coupled to each other in three atmospheric and two immersed environments using a four-point subjective scale to describe behaviour. 

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