Flow dependent corrosion: mechanisms, damage characteristics, and control

Abstract

The corrosive wear of metal surfaces subjected to fluid flow may occur by fundamentally different mechanisms. In the present paper convective mass transfer controlled corrosion, phase transport controlled corrosion, and erosion–corrosion are distinguished. These mechanisms and the morphology of the resulting corrosion attacks are described and further illustrated by practical cases. Various methods for combatting flow dependent corrosion are briefly discussed, including materials selection, design and operational measures, anodic/cathodic protection, and chemical additions to the fluid.