Implementing corrosion management strategies can help prevent equipment deterioration, repairs, and replacements. Proactive corrosion management can also improve your workers’ safety by reducing the risk of accidents related to equipment breakdown. Ice Dragon Corrosion is a corrosion service firm dedicated to helping clients identify and implement effective corrosion management practices.
Our Corrosion Management Techniques
Choose the Right Materials
Choosing appropriate mining materials requires careful consideration of specific conditions and operational needs of the site. We assess your site’s environmental conditions, minerals being mined, and methods of extraction to recommend the materials that are most likely to withstand corrosion.
If your mining site is located in an area with high humidity levels, we may recommend materials with strong resistance to rust, like galvanized steel. High-density polyethylene pipes can be a suitable alternative to metal pipes if you deal with alkaline or acidic fluids.
Conduct Regular Inspections
Regular inspections allow us to detect corrosion early and take preventative measures. This eliminates machine downtime and costly repairs, saving you money in the long run. Our team inspects your site equipment structures to identify signs of corrosion and, if any, the extent of corrosion damage. We take samples for lab testing to determine the type of corrosion in your site and develop a plan for managing it.
Apply Protective Coatings
Applying coatings on your equipment, such as polyurethane and epoxy, creates a barrier between the tool and corrosive elements like moisture and harsh chemicals. This prevents corrosion enhancing your equipment’s durability and performance. We have extensive knowledge and experience in corrosion management, so we can recommend ideal protective coatings for your equipment, depending on your operations.
Use Corrosion Inhibitors
Corrosion inhibitors are designed to reduce the reaction rate between metal surfaces and the surrounding environment. These chemical compounds work by reacting with equipment metal surfaces to create a protective layer that prevents damage caused by corrosive elements. They can be applied through injection or spray systems and are typically monitored by analyzing the pH levels and conductivity of the fluid.
Corrosion inhibitors can fall into the following categories:
Anodic Inhibitors
Anodic inhibitors form a thin oxide layer on a metal’s surface, causing an anodic shift. This turns the metal surface into a passivation area, reducing the risk of corrosion. Orthophosphates and chromates are common examples of anodic inhibitors that can protect your infrastructure.
Cathodic Inhibitors
Cathodic inhibitors cause the formation of insoluble compounds on metal surfaces by retarding cathodic reactions. This limits the diffusion of corrosion elements, thereby protecting the equipment. Compounds like magnesium, zinc, and calcium phosphates can be used as cathodic inhibitors in your plant.
After a thorough assessment to optimize inhibitor usage, our team will recommend the most suitable cathodic compounds for your plant. We’ll then review and test the compounds’ effectiveness in limiting corrosion and make any necessary adjustments.
Water Treatment
Water used in mining operations may contain high levels of corrosive elements like sulfate and chloride. Treating this water can remove the corrosive elements, preventing the corrosion of your equipment. Our team will oversee the testing of your water to determine whether it contributes to corrosion on your site.
If so, we’ll recommend effective water treatment methods. Common options in the mining industry include ion exchange, reverse osmosis, and electrocoagulation.
Ice Dragon Corrosion: Your Ideal Corrosion Service Provider
Ice Dragon Corrosion is a top anti-corrosion service provider that can protect your equipment from damage and breakdowns. We will recommend effective management strategies after assessing your plant and determining its corrosion risks. Schedule an appointment to learn how we can help you manage corrosion in your facility.
