Erosion corrosion

Erosion corrosion is a process in which the corrosion of materials, especially metals, is accelerated by mechanical stress and simultaneously occurring chemical reactions. This type of corrosion occurs when a material is eroded by the movement of liquids, gases or solid particles, such as in flowing water or abrasive media. Mechanical erosion causes the protective passive layers on the surface of the material to be destroyed or removed, making it more susceptible to corrosion.

In many industrial applications, such as pipelines, ship hulls or turbines, erosion corrosion is a common problem. Due to constant contact with moving liquids or solids, surfaces are continuously eroded, which accelerates corrosion processes. Materials that do not have sufficient resistance to mechanical stress or a stable passive layer are particularly susceptible.

Erosion-corrosion is a complex phenomenon in which several factors interact: the speed and type of the flowing medium, the type of material, the chemical composition and the temperature. The combination of mechanical erosion and electrochemical corrosion is often particularly problematic, as it significantly accelerates the degradation of materials.

Various measures are used to combat erosion corrosion, such as the use of corrosion-resistant materials, special coatings or the adaptation of operating conditions to reduce the flow velocity or minimize contact with abrasive particles.