Steel corrosion in standard air
Steel corrosion in standard air
(OP)
I'm not 100% sure I well understand the concept of sacrifical anode... someone could help me?
I'm using an all-steel linear bearing in a room where occur standard conditions of air temperature and humidity. In this case, the corrosion of the track is not happening really quickly, but after many years of operation, I may have to replace this really expensive track because of corrosion.
Lets say that this track would not be available in stainless, chrome plated or any other way to prevent corrosion. Could I use zinc or aluminum or magnesium as a sacrificial anode to prevent the steel track to rust over the years? Does the surrounding air, with its normal level of humidity, could be considered as an efficient electrolyte? If not, why does the steel track is rusting?
Thanks!
I'm using an all-steel linear bearing in a room where occur standard conditions of air temperature and humidity. In this case, the corrosion of the track is not happening really quickly, but after many years of operation, I may have to replace this really expensive track because of corrosion.
Lets say that this track would not be available in stainless, chrome plated or any other way to prevent corrosion. Could I use zinc or aluminum or magnesium as a sacrificial anode to prevent the steel track to rust over the years? Does the surrounding air, with its normal level of humidity, could be considered as an efficient electrolyte? If not, why does the steel track is rusting?
Thanks!
Jean-Pierre Faucher, ing.
www.cel-aerospace.ca





RE: Steel corrosion in standard air
As far as the cathodic protection, you need an electrically conductive medium between the rack and the sacrificial anode to close the circuit. The moist air doesn't qualify as electrolyte.
Sorry, I wish I could give you better info.
Cheers,
gr2vessels
RE: Steel corrosion in standard air
Michael McGuire
http://stainlesssteelforengineers.blogspot.com/
RE: Steel corrosion in standard air
Nobody would contest your engineering suggestion that long and hard selected stainless steel would work better than carbon steel.
However, please read the OP in full;- 'Lets say that this track would not be available in stainless, chrome plated or any other way to prevent corrosion.' Do you have better answer than 'Au contraire'?
RE: Steel corrosion in standard air
Michael McGuire
http://stainlesssteelforengineers.blogspot.com/
RE: Steel corrosion in standard air
You could do a service to yourself, by reading a bit on the internet the basics of corrosion fenomenon and corrosion control. It is fascinating, challenging and rewarding, by opening a totally new window in your engineering experience. I could bet that once infected with this virus, the corrosion protection will always be part of your life and lift your skils.
RE: Steel corrosion in standard air
On the working surface of a rail this coating will not last. Usually rail surfaces are kept clean by wear and that reduces rapid corrosion rates.
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Plymouth Tube
RE: Steel corrosion in standard air