CORROSION CELL

A corrosion cell is a condition on a metal surface where flow of electric current occurs
between two metal surfaces.
A corrosion cell consists of four fundamental components:
 Anode
 Cathode

 Conducting environment for ionic movement (electrolyte)

 Electrical connection between the anode and cathode for the flow of electron
current

The driving force behind a corrosion cell is a potential or voltage difference between the
anode and cathode. It is important to know that each of the four elements of the
corrosion cell affect the severity of corrosion.
A corrosion cell can occur on the molecular level. These cells usually are produced by
three factors:
 Irregularities in the metal's surface produced by the original metalworking/forming
or extruding
 Differences in the composition of the metal's surface pressed into the surface by
shaping/rolling or finishing operations
 Stresses induced from forming, welding, etc.

Coating films can be used to control one of these elements - the electrolyte. Applying a
tightly adhered continuous protective film over the surface of the metal and isolating
those points with different potential (anode and cathode) controls corrosion.

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TYPES OF CORROSION
Corrosion can be categorized in

 uniform corrosion
 pitting corrosion

 galvanic corrosion

 crevice corrosion

 concentration cell corrosion

 graphitic corrosion

Uniform or General Corrosion

The metal loss is uniform from the surface.

Often combined with high-velocity fluid erosion, with or without abrasives.

Pitting Corrosion
The metal loss is randomly located on the metal surface.

Often combined with stagnant fluid or in areas with low fluid velocity.

Galvanic Corrosion
Occurs when two metals with different electrode potential is connected in a corrosive electrolytic
environment.

The anode metal develops deep pits and groves in the surface.

Crevice Corrosion
Occurs at places with gaskets, bolts and lap joints where crevice exists.

Crevice corrosion creates pits similar to pitting corrosion.

Concentration Cell Corrosion

Occurs where the surface is exposed to an electrolytic environment where the concentration of the
corrosive fluid or the dissolved oxygen varies.

Often combined with stagnant fluid or in areas with low fluid velocity.

Graphitic Corrosion
Cast iron loosing iron in salt water or acids.

Leaves the graphite in place, resulting in a soft weak metal.

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SURFACE CORROSION

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CREVICE CORROSION
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VB Corrosion PH 2
VB Corrosion PH 2
Galvonic corrosion

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FRETTING CORROSION

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