Page 324 - Challenges in Corrosion Costs Causes Consequences and Control(2015)

302 CORROSION CONTROL AND PREVENTION

environments. These visual inspections may use nondestructive examination (NDE)
to identify corrosion pits, crevice corrosion, or wall thinning before they affect
or stop the production process or degrade the paper to below its product quality
specifications.
Regular periodic inspection is performed as part of maintenance program in plants.
The results of the inspections are used to plan equipment repairs during scheduled
shutdowns and to take action to maintain optimum production quality and quantity.

4.30 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Corrosion control and prevention can be done by keeping the equipment clean and dry
after each use by applying corrosion-resistant materials or materials with a corrosion
allowance, by applying external coatings or paints as well as internal linings or by CP.
Agricultural production occurs by working or using farm land; thus the equipment
used to work the fields is exposed to the climate and weather conditions present at
that time and place. Rain water or wet products may collect in the corners or ridges
of the equipment leading to corrosion. Corrosion may also occur in locations where
mud buildup occurs or where waste from vegetables, cattle, or feed can be present.
Corrosion can also occur in fuel and fertilizer storage tanks. Corrosion of tank bot-
toms, walls, roofs, and roof structures can pose a danger to their structural integrity.
Corrosion can result in leaks resulting in loss of valuable product or soil pollution
and pollution of water around the storage tank. Fuel leaks and soil pollution must be
prevented in a farm environment where farm products depend on good soil quality.

4.30.1 Keeping Equipment Clean/Dry
The obvious method of corrosion control of farm equipment and machinery is to keep
it clean and dry after use. Prevention of corrosion under deposits such as mud or waste
products prolongs the life of the equipment. Exposure of the equipment to bacteria,
fertilizers, cleaning agents, and sanitizing solutions should be minimized. It is also
advisable to remove the mud or adhering dirt such as sand particles to decrease wear
and possible erosion–corrosion on engines and moving components.

4.30.2 Material Selection
Corrosion-resistant materials may be selected for farming equipment and machinery,
but the high cost of high-alloy components make it prohibitive. In general, where pos-
sible, painted carbon steel is the primary material of choice for most farm machinery
and equipment because of its low cost and ease of maintenance. Nickel alloys are
used for augers, which are resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and wear. Stainless steel
fittings are used in equipment exposed to corrosive chemical fertilizers or in milking
equipment. Fiber-reinforced polymer storage tanks can be used for water storage or
to store small amounts of chemical products used in farming.