What is Stress Corrosion? 

One of the more elusive and alarming forms of corrosion, stress corrosion is indicated by cracks along a fixture. While easy to identify, knowing when the cracks are going to occur and more importantly how they occur, can be difficult. This type of corrosion is typically not visible until it happens and when it does happen, the results can be fatal to any equipment or fixture. For stress corrosion, knowing the potential causes and the right solutions can be the answer to stopping it in the first place. 

Why to Watch Out for Stress Corrosion

Stress corrosion is caused by the resistance of force combined with the components of a highly corrosive environment. This resistance of force is referred to as tensile stress, and when it occurs in a highly corrosive environment, cracking will occur on the surface of a substrate. The pattern of cracking that is formed takes the shape of a bolt of lightning, with multiple branches forming outward. Metallic substrates are easy targets for this type of corrosion. What makes stress corrosion so dangerous is that the cracking begins on a microscopic level that isn’t easily noticed by the human eye. Inevitably, the cracks grow larger, and when they do, it can lead to the full fledged corrosion of an area. Stress corrosion is a threat to bridges, pipelines, and industrial equipment of all kinds. Luckily, there are numerous prevention methods when dealing with stress corrosion such as heat and peening treatments. 

Give us a call today at 432-606-4093 and keep your equipment free from the dangers of corrosion. We will give your equipment the inspection it needs with the estimate you deserve. By providing services designed to prevent corrosion, we help clients avoid costly steel repair or replacement. Visit our website at www.spearindustrial.com or call us today at 432-606-4093 and let us help you protect your investment.