This Monday's Topic: An overview of corrosion in onshore and offshore environments

This week's edition of 'This Monday's Topic' marks the start of a three-part series exploring the specific challenges of corrosion in onshore and offshore environments. This introductory article provides an overview and forms the basis for two detailed follow-up articles, each addressing the corrosive conditions and protection strategies in onshore and offshore environments.

Corrosion in onshore environments

Onshore environments pose particular challenges for industrial facilities and infrastructure due to their exposure to various corrosive elements. Corrosion in these environments can be caused by various factors, including environmental pollution, varying atmospheric conditions and the presence of aggressive soil chemicals. In urban and industrial areas, especially those with high levels of air pollution, accelerated corrosion often occurs. This acceleration is primarily due to the presence of air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which favour the formation of acid rain. These pollutants can severely degrade the integrity of metal structures over time, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential safety risks. The following week's article takes a closer look at corrosion issues in onshore installations, examining both typical and unusual cases, and looks at protective measures to mitigate these effects and maintain the longevity of the infrastructure.

Corrosion in offshore environments

Offshore environments, including oil rigs, wind farms and other maritime structures, are subject to some of the most severe corrosive conditions due to their constant exposure to the harsh elements of the sea. The salty sea air, high humidity and constant contact with salt water create a highly corrosive environment that can lead to significant material stress and wear. Salt spray corrosion, a prevalent problem in these areas, requires specialised protective measures to combat its pervasive effects. These measures include the application of advanced anti-corrosion coatings and the use of robust material technologies that can withstand the relentless assault of the marine environment. The article, which will be published in a fortnight's time, will examine the particular challenges of offshore corrosion in detail. It will also highlight innovative solutions that are being developed and applied to protect these critical structures from the relentless forces of nature, ensuring their operational integrity and longevity.

Summary

The objective of this series is to provide a comprehensive understanding of corrosion dynamics in diverse environments and to discuss the key strategies used to protect critical infrastructure and extend its life. Please stay tuned for upcoming in-depth discussions on corrosion on land and at sea, which will highlight specific challenges and advanced protection technologies.