We rely heavily on pipelines to supply us drinking water. The government invests huge amount for purifying river water or from the reservoir before it is supplied to the general public. It is necessary to maintain the quality of drinking water as it can easily spread epidemics, infections and contagious diseases. To combat this effect, it is not only necessary to supply pure water but also ensure that the pipelines used to distribute their water are regularly maintained for any damage. This is called as Corrosion management which effectively monitors the the whole system to ensure safety of public health.
Define Corrosion:
Corrosion in a general term used to refer to any damage caused to metals or stone other material due to chemical or electro chemical reaction. Corrosion is a natural phenomenon occurring in regularly in nature. It becomes dangerous when corrosion starts affecting our public infrastructure. We can see metal bridges and railway tracks being corroded by water and wind, gushing waves corroding the coastline and the roads there, rusting on steel structures due to moisture and so on. Water pipelines are also highly prone to corrosion due to the exposure to water. The damage happens over a period of time and might lead to severe repercussions on public health. Let us take a look at some of the effects of corrosion.
What are the effects of corrosion?
- Reduced efficiency: When a piece of metal is subjected to corrosion, it loses its efficiency. Be it water pipelines, bridges, metal structures and so on gradually become less and less efficient as the chemical reaction and rust takes away their strength.
- Damage to the metal or alloy: Corroded metal is very brittle. When manufacturers produce these metal pipes, columns, machines and equipment, they consult a corrosion testing lab to ensure their durability. But if the right corrosion management strategies are not in place, these metal parts can be damaged beyond repair.
- Water contamination: Corrosion can cause holes and cracks to appear in pipes. Outward contamination can get into purified drinking water and be the root cause for waterborne infections. Contamination can seap in either through ground or the atmosphere, making this water unhealthy for consumption.
- Accidents: Weakened metal can cause accidents. Brittle parts of the bridge, corroded pipe or gas lines, electric poles made of metal, corroded aircraft parts and many other  causes might give rise to accidents. The destruction can be widespread damaging public life and property. Such accidents are heavy burden on the government too as the loss can be enormous.
- Causes pollution: By far the most common form of corrosion is the rusting of iron. When iron combines with water and oxygen to form rust, it also releases harmful pollutants that contaminate the air.
Role of corrosion testing labs in corrosion management:
Corrosion is a serious problem that may cause threat to public threat and public properties. Because metals and alloys such as iron and steel are so widely used in a variety of applications such as building construction and in tools, protecting these highly valuable metals against rusting is important. Modern manufacturing companies must get in touch with professional corrosion testing labs who can eventually prevent damages caused by rusting and corrosion with the help of corrosion testing methods.