The corrosion of steel piping and its related components is a continuous and virtually unstoppable process. The end product, which is commonly referred to as rust, is simply the result of an electrochemical reaction through which the higher energy processed metal is slowly reverted back to its naturally occurring form - metal ore.

     Even with the proper application of available countermeasures, the estimated cost for replacing corroded piping systems in the United States alone stands well in excess of $75 billion annually - making corrosion one of the most potentially damaging losses to any commercial, private, or industrial property. The financial impact of all metal corrosion on a worldwide scale is staggering - resulting in losses of $276 billion dollars in the United States alone. Review the latest corrosion loss statistics from this independent source.

     Over $121 billion is spent annually in the U. S. on corrosion control chemicals, coatings, and other protective systems. Hundreds of millions more are spent on corrosion monitoring and testing. An estimated one sixth of all steel production worldwide is used to replace corroded metal - much of it at cooling water piping systems.

     Pipe corrosion represents the most serious threat and monetary loss to any commercial or industrial building or plant operation next to fire. In its less serious form, corrosion can produce problems ranging from lost heat transfer efficiency and constricted pipes - to annoyance pinhole leaks and temporary shutdowns. More serious failures are often in the form of major floods, property damage, operating failures, lost production, and personal injury.

     In extreme, but all too common examples, the failure to recognize a serious corrosion problem will result in the need to replace some or all of the piping system at extraordinary cost, and possibly with the loss of critical services. Access other Internet sites offering valuable information on corrosion issues.

     Finding oneself in such a position, however, is not an overnight event. Most high corrosion scenarios are the result of years or at least months of a problem condition which has gone either unrecognized, or unaddressed. Often it is inherited from a previous owner or operator not effective at controlling a corrosion problem, and/or having obviously less concern. Through our involvement in the field of chemical water treatment and ultrasonic pipe testing for over 20 years, we have seen our share of facility and plant managers interested in extending the retirement date of plant piping just slightly beyond their own!

     A combination of less effective corrosion control chemicals, lower quality and less corrosion resistant metals, and less tolerant design engineering practices, have made the need to closely monitor corrosion losses more critical today than ever before. Review a summary of piping quality, operating, and design changes which have occurred.

     This Internet site is dedicated to the issue of pipe corrosion and the safeguard of such systems through better monitoring and preventative actions. Some further insight into the overall corrosion problem is offered at the navigation bar at the top of this page and elsewhere.