Corrosion is an electro-chemical process that
occurs in the presence of water and air. When
an electric current is introduced to water or soil,
the rate of carbon steel corrosion increases
rapidly. Gaseous atmospheric constituents that
are capable of electrolytic activity can also
increase the rate of corrosion. Corrosion tends
to be more rapid in environments in which the
steel is exposed to water, and then air, rather
than being constantly submerged. The
exposure to seawater increases steel pitting
because the electrical conductivity is improved
in salt water.
Author: Thomas A. Printz, John A. White and Tom Bird, Williams Form Engineering Corp.
Publisher: DFI