Examples of oxidation corrosion
Metal oxidation is the phenomenon whereby a metal that combines with oxygen undergoes a subtraction of electrons. This reaction involves the development of energy in the form of light, heat or electricity. In this post, we list 3 examples of phenomena or conditions that can give rise to oxidation corrosion to the detriment of your components.
Oxidation is a very fascinating phenomenon from a chemical point of view but also very harmful to your components and machinery if not carefully monitored. The most damaging phenomenon for metals is certainly corrosion, a slow and irreversible process of consuming the metallic material, with consequent worsening of the characteristics and physical properties of the component.
Metal oxidation can lead to different types of corrosion but atmospheric corrosion is certainly the most frequent and even insidious in certain cases. So, let's see which ones!
Damage from metal oxidation: the case of submersible pumps
Submersible (or immersion) pumps are used to handle large quantities of liquids. During the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic testing phase (and check of the flow rate, pump head), by convention, tests are carried out with mains water. It is evident that the contact between water and the metal surfaces of the pump can accelerate the oxidation corrosion process.
To avoid all this, it is thus necessary to add a lubricant to the test liquid that inhibits oxidation. For example, you can use a solution containing a 6% Maconrust 225 plus blue or a 4-6% emulsion of Mconrust 534 RPM S.
Damage from metal oxidation: submerged gearmotors in oil bath
Most of the reduction units used in the metalworking industry are lubricated in an oil bath. The kinematic chain containment case is partially submerged by the lubricating oil, the viscosity of which is chosen by the manufacturer on the basis of the thermal and dynamic operating context.
The infiltration of water due to the wear of containment gaskets or the formation of humidity inside the reducer can cause unwanted oxidation phenomena. To cope with this problem, it is necessary to use lubricating oils with special additives and synthetic and hygroscopic lubricating oils (being capable of absorbing up to 5–10% of water present). This is where a lubricating oil such as the Maconoil Sintpag series can be useful.
Damage from metal oxidation: corrosion of industrial valves
We conclude with an example in which corrosion is not a consequence of the use of the component or of the operating conditions but the possible method of transport.
Thanks to its strong salinity, sea water is one of the most corrosive agents in nature. Its incision speed on metals depends on to the amount of actual exposure.
When industrial valves are transported by sea, corrosion problems can come into play, caused and accentuated by salt and chlorides.
To combat such corrosion phenomena, it is advisable to preventively protect the industrial valves with protective lubricating fluids with Maconfluid 600 RP or Maconrust RSP.
To find out how to do so, click below and download our free guide on the precautions to take to prevent metal oxidation!
Protective lubricating fluids
Complete guide on rust protection
6 fundamental measures to prevent the oxidation of metals
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