The Galvanic Corrosion Trap

Abstract:

The Galvanic Corrosion Trap. The wrong combination of metals can produce a corrosion cell of unequal voltage where one metal gives up its electrons and corrodes away. If the corrosion is not detected it will result in eventual failure of the equipment. Galvanic corrosion prevention is a design selection issue that one must always be aware of, as it can arise with the simplest of decisions. This article highlights a galvanic corrosion problem often seen in industry and sometimes missed by the person selecting equipment.

Keywords: rusting, corrosion scale, galvanic corrosion cell

source: http://lifetime-reliability.com/tip_016_pipe_galvanic_corrosion.html

Galvanic Corrosion

Metals themselves can also set up corrosion cells. When a pipe consists of only one type of metal, impurities in the pipe wall can develop into anodes and cathodes. Alternatively, when two dissimilar metals come into contact, galvanic corrosion will occur. Galvanic corrosion is often set up in the distribution system in meter installations and at service connections and couplings.