Experiment No:03

Experiment Name:Study of Differential Aeration Corrosion.

1.Objective:
a. To show that difference in oxygen concentration can greatly affect the ratesof corrosion. A
differential aeration cell causes corrosion of metals as a result of the formation of an

2.Introduction:

Corrosion may be defined as the destruction of a metal or an alloy because of chemical or

electrochemical reaction with its surrounding environment or medium. An aeration cell is a device
or system designed to introduce air or oxygen into a substance or environment. This process is
known as aeration and is used in various applications to enhance oxygen levels, promote chemical
reactions, or facilitate biological processes. Aeration cells are typically engineered with specific
features to optimize the introduction of air or oxygen.Aeration is commonly used in various
applications:

Aeration is used to promote the growth of aerobic bacteria that break down organic matter in
wastewater. Aeration is vital in fish tanks and ponds to maintain oxygen levels for aquatic life.
Aeration can improve soil structure and oxygenate the root zone in agriculture, enhancing plant
growth. It can help remove impurities and odors from water by allowing volatile substances to
escape.In bioreactors, aeration is used to support microbial growth in fermentation and other
biological processes. Aeration is used in chemical reactions where oxygen is required.The specific
design and purpose of an aeration cell can vary depending on the application, but the common goal
is to introduce air or oxygen efficiently into a system.

Corrosion occurs when metals react with their environment, usually in the presence of oxygen
and moisture, leading to the gradual deterioration and degradation of the material. This reaction
can be accelerated or slowed down depending on the pH of the surrounding environment. In this
essay, we will explore the different ways in which pH affects the corrosion process, both in acidic
and alkaline environments. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of understanding pH
levels in various applications to prevent or mitigate corrosion damage.
Corrosion engineering is the application of science and art to prevent or control corrosion damage
in a safe and economical manner. To perform this function properly, the corrosion engineer must
rely on experimental research. This is because the major aspects of corrosion engineering are
largely empirical in nature. A body of theory exists that can be very helpful in solving corrosion
problems, but in the final analysis, most decisions are based on the results of empirical tests

3.Theory
Areation types cell both electrodes are of the same material and the electrolyte con-centration in
both the chambers are the same. N₂ is bubbled near one electrode and air or O2 is passed in the
other chamber. This difference in O2 concentration causes potential difference between the two
electrodes and subsequent flow of current.Differential aeration cell formation causes crevice (very
narrow gap between metallic components)corrosion be- cause of lower O, concentration inside the
crevice and higher O2 concentration outside.

Figure:Differential aeration cell.

4.Material required:
1. 2 Steel electrode
2. 0.1M HCL
3. Distilled water
4. O2 Supply
5.Experimental Procedure
1. Make up sufficient test solution to fill the vessels.
2. The test solution should be slightly acidic (i.e. pH value ranging from 6.7 andcan be
produced by adding dilute hydrochloric acid to deionized water.
3. Weigh two steel samples
4. Ensure N₂ supply in one of the beakers and O2 supply in the other one
5. Connect the electrodes properly.

6.Experimental set up:

Figure:Corrosion studies kit

7.Observed Data
Group No Type of Initial Final Weight Corrosion rate
electrode Weight(gm) Weight(gm) Loss(gm) (gm/day)
(Polarization)
01 Anode(+) 8.355 8.353 0.002 0.001

Cathode(-) 8.136 8.139

02 Anode 8.239 8.231 0.008 0.004
8.380 8.382
Cathde
03 Anode(-) 8.390 8.385 0.005 0.0025
Cathode(+) 8.268 8.269

8.Calculation:
Calculation for solution
We khow that,
pH =-log[H+] when, (pH =12)

or,12=-log[H+]

[H+]=10-12

Again ,

We khow that,
pH =-log[H+] when, (pH =6.5)

or,6.5=-log[H+]

[H+]=3.2 × 10−3

We khow that,
Given that,
S1V1= S2V2
S2=[H+]=3.2 × 10−3
10−12 × 700 =3.2𝑥10−3 ×∨2
S1 =[H+]=10-12
V2=2.21𝑥10−3ml V1=700 ml
Water required=(700-2.21𝑥10−3) =699.9979 ml V2=?
Calculation for group -1:
Amount of weight loss for anode = (8.355 – 8.353) gm
= 0.002 gm
Amount of weight gain cathode = (8.139 – 8.136) gm
= 0.003 gm
𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 0.002𝑔𝑚
Corrosion rate = = = 0.001 gm/day
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 2 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠

9.Result:
Group -01,Amount of weight loss =0.002 gm
Group -02,Amount of weight loss =0.008gm
Group -03,Amount of weight loss =0.005 gm

10.Discussion:
Anodic and cathodic reactions are fundamental processes in electrochemical cells, such as batteries
and electrolysis systems. These reactions involve the flow of electrons and ions. When steel comes
into contact with a solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and water (H₂O), the corrosion process
involves both the presence of HCl and water molecules.

Anodic Reaction (Oxidation): In an electrochemical cell, the anodic reaction occurs at the
electrode where oxidation takes place. At the anode, iron (Fe) undergoes oxidation, releasing
electrons: Fe(s) → Fe²⁺(aq) + 2e⁻

This reaction represents the dissolution of iron into iron ions (Fe²⁺) and the release of electrons.
Cathodic Reaction (Reduction): At the cathode, water (H₂O) molecules can be reduced to form
hydrogen gas (H₂) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻): 2H₂O(l) + 2e⁻ → H₂(g) + 2OH⁻(aq).

This reaction represents the reduction of water molecules into hydrogen gas (H₂) and hydroxide
ions (OH⁻) by accepting electrons.

Overall Reaction: The overall corrosion reaction of steel (Fe) in a solution of hydrochloric acid
(HCl) and water (H₂O) combines the anodic and cathodic reactions:
Fe(s) + 2H₂O(l) → Fe²⁺(aq) + H₂(g) + 2OH⁻(aq)

In an electrochemical cell, these anodic and cathodic reactions are coupled, allowing for the flow
of electrons from the anode (where oxidation occurs) to the cathode (where reduction occurs),
creating an electric current. The specific reactions and reactants involved depend on the type of
cell and the materials used in it.

Group-1, In this experiment same concentration HCl as electrolyte was taken in separate
compartment and two electrodes of same metal were used. Anode was connected to positive (+)
and cathode to negative(-) and oxygen was supplied to the cathode. As a result, 0.002 g of anode
loss was obtained, the reaction rate was 0.001 g/day.

Group-2, In this experiment same concentration of HCl solution was taken in separate
compartment and two electrodes of same metal were used. The complete cell is like as galvanic
cell and no current supply in this cell and a wire connected to both compartment. oxygen was
supplied to the cathode As a result, 0.008 g of anode loss was obtained, the reaction rate was 0.004
g/day.

Group-3, In this experiment same concentration of HCl solution was taken in separate
compartment and two electrodes same metal were used. Anode was connected to negative(-) and
cathode connected to positive(+) and oxygen was supplied to the cathode. As a result, 0.005g of
anode loss was obtained, the reaction rate was 0.0025gm/day.

Many factors of corrosion are the presence of impurities on the metal surface, variation in
temperature around metal, inappropriate surface conditions, and much exposure to metal in the
atmosphere. various errors are observed in this experiment, these errors are because the differential
aeration cell requires N2 and O2 supply, but N2 supply is not possible due to our lab limitations
and cathode supply air(as O2). It can also occur while weighing metal, mechanical reasons can
cause these.

A steel bridge submerged in water. The parts of the bridge that are consistently submerged will
have good access to oxygen dissolved in the water. These areas experience relatively uniform
corrosion over time.However, at the waterline or in areas where water can accumulate and create
stagnant conditions, the oxygen concentration can be significantly lower. In these areas, the lack
of oxygen leads to a more corrosive environment.
11.Conclusion:

In this experiment on the formation and behavior of a differential aeration cell provided valuable
insights into corrosion processes. We observed that when two different areas of a metal sample
were exposed to varying levels of oxygen, a galvanic cell formed, leading to accelerated corrosion
at the anodic site and protection at the cathodic site. This phenomenon highlights the importance
of controlling environmental conditions to mitigate corrosion in practical applications.
Furthermore, our results underscore the significance of understanding electrochemical processes
to prevent material degradation and structural damage. The efficiency of aeration depends on the
amount of surface contact between air and water, which is controlled primarily by the size of the
water drop or air bubble. Oxygen is added to water through aeration and can increase the
palpability of water by removing the flat taste.

12.References:

I. Corrosion Engineering an Introductory text second edition book

II. Study of electrolytic corrosion lab manual.
III. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrochemistry.
IV. https://unacademy.com/content/jee/study-material/chemistry/prevention-of-
corrosionnot