erosion
Erosion is defined as the slow removal and wearing away of a metallic surface resulting from the mechanical activity of moving particles, fluids, or gases. Material degradation from erosion leads to decreasing thickness of walls or components and finally affects their integrity over time, especially if the component works under conditions of dynamic or high-velocity action.
Key Features:
- Mechanical Wear: Due to repeated impact or friction resulting from solid particles, liquid droplets, or gas flows, more so inside pipelines, turbines, or pumps.
- Surface Degradation: Leads to pitting, grooves, or smoothened spots on the surface of the metal, weakening structural strength.
- Material & Flow Sensitivity: Erosion feedback relies on metal hardness, flow speed, angle of impact, and nature of particles or fluids.
Erosion creates major challenges in industrial systems where metal surfaces are continuously subjected to high-speed flow or interact with abrasive materials. The components are however more prone to erosion that reside within the oil and gas pipelines, marine structures, and power stations. The selection of wear-resistant materials, the use of protective coatings, and the optimization of flow dynamics can help in reducing the erosion impact and increasing the lifetime of equipment, thereby increasing efficiency and decreasing maintenance expenses for industries.