Corrosion of steel in tropical sea water

Abstract

AbstractThe corrosion of steel in sea water was studied in laboratory as well as field experiments. The effects of carbon content, surface condition, temperature, and agitation on the corrosion of steel in sea water were studied under laboratory conditions. Each of the four factors was studied at two levels: carbon content (0·06/0·43 wt-%), surface preparation method (dry blasted/wet blasted), temperature (20/32° C), and agitation (with/without). The rate of corrosion of steel in sea water was found to increase significantly with increase in temperature and with aeration; the rate was found to decrease with increase in carbon content and with change from dry blasting to wet blasting. Field tests in tropical sea water were carried out at 2 and 12 m depths. No significant difference in corrosion rate was found at these two depths. Average corrosion rates of 0·53 and 0·35 mm/year were measured for exposure periods of 2 and 12 months respectively.