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CORROSION

Don’t let corrosion damage consume profits.

Don’t let corrosion damage consume profits.

Corrosion damage is a $2.2 trillion problem worldwide. This costly natural phenomenon can decimate metal – damaging electrical systems, utilities, buildings and infrastructure. You can’t stop corrosion, but you can manage it.

What is corrosion?

Corrosion is an unstoppable, everyday force that wreaks havoc on electrical systems, structures, infrastructure and more and can result in astonishing economic costs. Not only can the costs be financial, but lives have been lost due to corrosion and poor management. It’s as destructive as King Kong without all the drama. And it wouldn’t make a great movie (although John Oliver makes a good attempt).

Regardless of where you are, whether a controlled food processing plant in Ontario, a fishery off the coast of PEI or the oil sands in northern Alberta, the fight against corrosion is real, and ongoing. And unfortunately, it’s not going to end anytime soon.

Understanding corrosion can be complicated. It’s easy to slip into jargon so deep that you have nightmares of your Grade 10 Chemistry class. Understanding the chemical process and meanings behind reduction-oxidation, pH levels, electrons, adones, not to mention the equation behind corrosion (Fe2 + O2(g) + H2O(1) → Fe2O3.xH2O(s)) can leave you feeling at a loss for words.

Now that may be too much but here is a simple explanation.

“Corrosion is a natural phenomenon that is the deterioration a material undergoes as a result of its interaction with its surroundings.” Chemistry Explained

Simply put, nature doesn’t always agree with the materials we try and introduce into it and corrosion is the result.

What can be done?

Okay too much, but you do have some tools to use to make sure you maximize the life of your equipment and reduce any unplanned downtime. While there is no single way to avoid corrosion, it can definitely be controlled and the damaging effects reduced. Here are some tips:

  1. Source the right material – every site has its specific environmental conditions that you need to deal with. Grabbing any old material off the shelf just won’t do. Understanding what materials will work best in your given environment helps keep your site running and your costs down. It helps to keep Total Cost of Ownership in mind. Spending a few extra dollars on better material now can save you in the long run. You have expensive electrical components you need to protect. Make sure the material you select is up for the challenge.
  2. Establish a physical barrier – corrosion requires three conditions: moisture, a metallic surface and an electron acceptor. By removing one of these, corrosion is inhibited. Coating a metal surface with a corrosion inhibitor substance acts as a barrier between the metal and the moisture in the environment. This removes the opportunity for oxidization and corrosion is prevented.
  3. Have a maintenance plan – even with your best effort in place, nature doesn’t always agree with the materials you are using. Make sure you keep track of the condition of your equipment and infrastructure to ensure that corrosion is kept to a minimum and when it is spotted you can deal with it. Depending on the severity, corrosion inhibitors may suffice, however, in worst case scenarios you may need to replace the material.

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Canada's Leading Electrical Products Distributor and Solution Expert | Westburne

Westburne is much more than an electrical supplier. Westburne is a nationwide leader in  energy solutions, renewables, lighting, wire, cable,  automation and  connected network solutions, and the distributor of choice all across Canada. At Westburne, our certified experts work closely with you and your team to provide the best solutions and service to help grow your business. With over 100 store locations from coast to coast and our recently upgraded online store, you can easily find and shop from thousands of products in our product categories or get help from our team of specialist.