SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1987
STP25853S

Using the Classification of Corrosivity of Atmospheres to Extend the Service Life of Materials, Structures, and Products

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The resistance of products to atmospheric degradation is an important quality consideration. In Czechoslovakia, corrosion protection is considered to be an integral element of quality. The corrosion protection system is verified after each production step. The quality of the corrosion protection system is also confirmed by authorized state and departmental testing laboratories. Commissions of large industries concerned with atmospheric effects provide consultation and expert advice, especially in the application of international, national, and departmental standards and regulation.

The assurance of product corrosion resistance is an integral part of the quality control process. A system of coordinated standards covering general principles regulates construction, design, selection of materials, and protection systems. Emphasis is placed on the standardization of quality testing methods. Department and industry standards are now being developed. The physical and chemical principles of corrosion are incorporated in the approach used in these standards.

Every product is exposed to the atmosphere, either during manufacture or during its service life. The atmospheric environment varies from place to place and moment to moment. To select corrosion protection measures rationally for construction materials, it is necessary to know how the various atmospheric factors affect materials and the protective systems that are used with them. The generalization of this knowledge regarding the kinetics of the degradation of materials and protective systems, with information on the influence of the atmospheric factors, permits a practical classification system for atmospheric corrosivity to be developed. The essence of this classification system has been incorporated in national and international standards.

Active international cooperation among twelve member nations has allowed the International Standards Organization Technical Committee 156, Working Group 4 to produce four draft standards. This work summarizes many years of independent effort by the members.

The technique of classification of the corrosivity of the atmosphere is useful in making maps showing the corrosivity distribution for regions. It is also helpful in the detailed mapping of localities with variations in pollution levels. This approach is also used to select optimum corrosion protection measures and to develop testing procedures for products exposed to the atmosphere.

Author Information

Vrobel, L
G. V. Akimov State Research Institute for the Protection of Materials, Praha, Czechoslovakia
Knotkova, D
G. V. Akimov State Research Institute for the Protection of Materials, Praha, Czechoslovakia
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Details
Developed by Committee: G01
Pages: 248–263
DOI: 10.1520/STP25853S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5023-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0966-7