Introduction

Weight loss analysis is the simplest and longest- established method in order to
estimating corrosion losses in plant and equipment. The process which involves the
placement of the sample (coupons) in a specific environment and later removed after
a designated time interval. The sample is then cleaned for net weight and recording
the weight difference in accordance to the time interval. Corrosion rate can be
calculate using the formula below:

Corrosion rate (CR) = [weight loss, g + K]/ [( Alloy density, gcm-3)( Exposed area
A)(Exposure time, hr)]

Alloy density is depending on the type of stainless steel. For example, density of steel:
7.86 g/cm3 , density of Stainless Steel: 7.0 g/cm3

The constant can be varied to calculate the corrosion rate in various units:

Desired Corrosion Rate Unit (CR) Area Unit (A) K-Factor

mils/year (mpy) in2 5.34 x 105
mils/year (mpy) cm2 3.45 x 106
millimeters/year (mm/yr) cm2 8.76 x 104

There is no requires of complex equipment of procedure for this technique, only an

appropriately shaped coupon, a carrier for the coupon (coupon holder), and a reliable
means of removing corrosion product without disruption of the metal substrate.
Despite being the oldest method, weight loss analysis technique is still the most
widely used to determine corrosion loss. This method also being used as a calibration
standard for other means corrosion monitoring.

These experiment was conduct to study the corrosion of steel in two different acid
solutions and to study the corrosion resistant efficiency of steel alloy

Chemicals and Apparatus

1M H2SO4 solution
1M HNO3 solutions

Steel coupons

Stainless steel coupons

Polishing cloth

Emery paper

Vials

Analytical balance