Corrosion Prevention – What Is Piping: All about Piping Engineering

Bolts and Nuts are fasteners for joining two parts. Even though bolted joints are not permanent similar to welded joints, still they are used in industries to a large extent wherever there is a need for separation of the parts. Process, Power and Steel Industries can not be thought of without Nuts and Bolts. But one of the major problems with Bolted joints is external corrosion due to the working environment. How to Protect Bolts from Corrosion Corrosion of nuts and bolts is a major concern for industries. One of the major causes of bolt failure and lose bolt is Extreme Corrosion. Use of Corrosion Resistant material is one option to prevent bolting corrosion but that translates into huge cost. So this is normally not suggested for Carbon or alloy steel piping. Use of bolt cap is another option which can be used for bolt sizes between 1/2 inch to 6 inches. But the most cost-effective way to increase bolt life from corrosion is by using corrosion-resistant coatings. In this article, I will highlight a few important points for coating selection. Types of Bolt Coatings Various coating methods (Fig. 1) are used in industries. However, the most frequently used methods along with governing coating standards are listed below: Fig. 1: Various Types of Bolt Coatings used in Industry Hot Dip Galvanized: ASTM A 153/ ASTM F 2329/ ISO 10684 Zinc Plating: ASTM B633/ ISO 2081 Zinc‐Aluminum: ASTM F 1136/ EN ISO 10683/ EN 13858 Zinc‐Nickel: ASTM B 841/ ISO 15726 Cadmium: ASTM B 766/ ISO 2082 Phosphate: ASTM F1137/ ISO 9717 Aluminum particle Filled (Ceramic): ASTM F 1428 PTFE: Normally Manufacturer Standard Coating Material Selection Chart Refer to Fig. 2 below. The image provides a quick guide for selecting coatings based on their application and operating temperature range. Refer to the General Notes and Special Notes mentioned at the bottom of the image while selecting the coating materials. Fig. 2: Bolt and Nut Coating Material Selection Guide Chart General Notes for Coating Selection Chart This chart is just a recommendation, other coatings may be used based on successful experience.These coatings are normally applicable to carbon or low alloy steel bolting. CRA bolting is not included in the chart.In the selection of coatings, their cost has been also considered.Hydrogen embrittlement may occur on fasteners caused by hydrogen, introduced from chemical cleaning, pickling or coating process e.g. electrolytic plating and Hot Dip Galvanized. Such coatings may need pretreatment/post-treatment.Fasteners should be avoided in splash zone applications. However, when this is unavoidable, fasteners shall be made of seawater resistant material, e.g. alloy 625/725 or similar.Cadmium coating is still being used; however, due to the hazardous nature in the plating process and exposure to the environment, it is being phased out.Wax-based systems may be used as maintenance systems.For Hot Dip Galvanized coating, Dip spin procedure should be applied. Special Notes for Coating Selection Chart Refer to the Numbers mentioned in Fig. 2. Zinc-plated, Hot-dip Galvanized and phosphate coatings should not be used at continuous temperatures above 200˚C.Zinc/Aluminum coating normally known under registered trademarks such as DACROMET, GEOMET, etc.Zinc/Aluminum coating may be used up to 300˚C by manufacturer approval.Phosphate coatings are normally used as a pretreatment to other coatings but may be used in noncorrosive or mildly corrosive areas especially when a sealer is used.Zinc plating + chromate treatment may be used in the coastal area for short term applications (less than 10 years) or for long term applications when they are painted.Hot Dip galvanized coating may be painted to the extent of its life in marine atmospheres.Most PTFE coating can be used up to 230˚C, but they may be used up to 260˚C by manufacturer approval.For subsea applications, the coating of low alloy bolting materials protected by CP is unnecessary. However, thin metal (hot spun galvanized or zinc‐nickel electroplate) are often specified to preserve the bolt surface prior to or during installation.Ceramic coating for marine applications shall be top coated. The average coating thickness shall be 20‐30 μm. The base coat can be aluminum particles dispersed in a liquid binder of chromate /phosphate compounds. The topcoat can be ceramic oxide pigments dispersed in a liquid binder of chromate/phosphate compounds. Few more Resources for you.. FORMS OF CORROSION: An article How to Select a Bolt: A definite Guide Corrosion under insulation: A Presentation PROCEDURE FOR FLANGE-BOLT TIGHTENING OF VARIOUS SIZES OF FLANGES Corrosion Protection for Offshore Pipelines Collar Bolts To Maintain Removable Bundles in Heat Exchangers Corrosion Monitoring Techniques & Surveys: A short Presentation Flange Insulating Gasket Kits for Industrial Application