If you are responsible for equipment used for manufacturing or another industrial purpose, protecting items against corrosion represents safeguarding your investment.
When metal surfaces are constantly exposed to moisture, chemicals and extreme conditions, they can deteriorate; leaving you with the two problems of downtime and spiralling costs.
This article will look at strategies manufacturers can use to protect their equipment from corrosion and prolong its lifespan.
Keeping it clean and dry
Maintaining cleanliness and dryness is key to preventing corrosion on industrial equipment.
It’s not simply moisture that causes the issue. Other contaminants can trap moisture, accelerating rust and corrosion on exposed metal surfaces. Routine application with appropriate degreasers and solutions can help keep machinery clean.
Keeping equipment dry is also crucial, as moisture is the primary catalyst for corrosion. This is especially pertinent in environments where there are high humidity or condensation levels. To bring these levels down, installing moisture-control systems or dehumidifiers is helpful to maintaining a dry atmosphere around the equipment. It’s also beneficial to store equipment in areas that are not exposed to rain or extreme moisture.
Using corrosion-resistant materials or coatings
When designing or purchasing equipment, corrosion-resistant materials or coatings must be considered.
Stainless steel, aluminium and galvanised steel are all materials that are less susceptible to corrosion. However, these materials may still need additional protection in harsh environments.
Coatings such as paint, powder coating or specialised corrosion-resistant layers (for example, chromium plating or zinc) act as barriers, protecting metal surfaces from environmental factors.
Equipment should be regularly inspected to ensure the integrity of these coatings, which may need to be reapplied periodically. Rust preventatives from brands such as Millers and Quaker Houghton should be selected based on the type of corrosion expected – whether that is from condensation, chemicals or other environmental factors.
Implementing proper storage practices
Finally, proper storage is fundamental to protecting equipment from corrosion.
When not in use, equipment should be stored in dry, climate-controlled environments, and covered to shield it from direct contact with water, dust, or debris.
If equipment is regularly exposed to outdoor conditions – such as construction site machinery – protective covers or sheds should be used for storage, and equipment should be elevated to avoid contact with damp surfaces.
