FORMS OF CORROSION

In practical terms, the salient features of the system and water being considered will dictate the forms in which corrosion may manifest itself. A discussion of the basic mechanism of these forms of corrosion is quite useful in gaining a more complete understanding of the process of corrosion.

The following describes the cause and characteristics of some common corrosion mechanisms affecting water-bearing equipment. Some are related to the design of the system, others to the composition of the water phase and still others to the peculiarities of a particular metal. While it would be virtually impossible to cover every corrosion mechanism known today, the general information contained should be adequate for normal applications.