8/9/2019 48.Corrosion Engineering_a Practice Model

1/4

CORROSION ENGINEERING: A PRACTICE MODEL

SEFI 2004 Annual Congress. The Golden Opportunity for EngineeringEducation

Anna Igual MuozDepartamento de Ingeneira Qumica y

Nuclear

Universidad Politcnica de Valencia

SPAIN

E-mail: anigmu@iqn.upv.es

Jos Garca AntnDepartamento de Ingeneira Qumica y

Nuclear

Universidad Politcnica de Valencia

SPAIN

E-mail: jgarciaa@iqn.upv.es

Camino de Vera S/N

46022-VALENCIA-SPAIN

Proposed THEME: Education and EngineersProposed aspect: Learning Methodologies

ABSTRACT

The multidisciplinary character of the corrosion science and engineering has involved

important problems for University lecturers. Very different requirements are needed for

students of dissimilar degrees such as: chemical engineering, materials engineering, electrical

engineering, chemists, architects, etc. In this sense a new modular proposal for corrosion

course at the University area is shown; the course is adapted to different students from many

degrees. This system allows planning the structure of a particular course in an open way,

depending on the students, the degree and the range of the education. Based on three mainmodules, the course is constructed specifically for different kind of students focusing on

corrosion practice. The methodology is thought to stand on experiences in order to allow the

students to acquire knowledge on corrosion.

OUTLINE

Introduction to the topic: How to teach a multidisciplinary subject

The complex nature of corrosion phenomena is due to the coexistence of electrochemical,

metallurgical, biological and environmental parameters which can act on the metal surfaces.The interdisciplinary nature of corrosion is considered a handicap to its comprehension.

Corrosion education at the University could be differentiated between design engineers

(mechanics, civil, electronics) and specialists in materials (metallurgists, chemical engineers,

material engineers, etc.). The first group are material users, while the second group are

responsible for new materials development and their implementation in the engineering

systems. So that, Corrosion Science is the study of the chemical and metallurgical processes

that occur during corrosion and Corrosion Engineering is the design and application of

methods to prevent corrosion. Ideally, science should be married to engineering so as to

invent new and better methods of prevention and to apply existing methods more intelligently

and efficiently. Normally, courses in corrosion science and engineering are designed forundergraduate engineers who will likely work in industry and encounter problems of design,

8/9/2019 48.Corrosion Engineering_a Practice Model

2/4

materials selection and failure analysis due to environmental effects on engineering materials.

Therefore, corrosion is often perceived as a discipline we have to endure helplessly and it is a

shock to many to learn that there are many ways to prevent and control this natural force.

One way to integrate scientists and engineers may be the possibility to build up a discipline in

independent modules. The educational proposal shown in this paper is centred on a series ofInformation Modules designed for training in corrosion science and engineering.

Problem formulation

The aim of this work is to achieve educational objectives, understanding, comprehending and

applying in form of competencies, skills and achievements, in corrosion science and

engineering.

Approach and Methodology

The course is taught in three main sections or modules, which are divided into different sub-

modules and developed through experimental practice. The methodology is based on training

with problem solving.

The first module: CORROSION BASICSis the fundamental section and the students approach

corrosion through basic definitions and essential measurements of when and how fast

corrosion propagates on a metallic surface and medium.

The second module: CORROSION PREVENTION AND CONTROL comprises the mostcommon ways to prevent corrosion phenomena. The section allows the students to become

involved in design of protection systems under various conditions.

The third module: INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION is the most flexible one; it puts all of the

above material together by describing different corrosion problems in industrial situations. It

is meant to be developed in the form of practical cases in which the students may apply the

knowledge and skills acquired on corrosion.

The instructor or the student can pick and choose between principles and prevention to obtain

a mix that satisfies his or her background and interests. The modular system is planned so that

the instructor can easily design a course at any desired level. Thus, the course can provide atleast the starting point for a more advanced graduate-level course as well. The additional

material also adds a valuable component for future reference by practicing engineers, whether

or not they may have taken a formal academic course in corrosion.

Thus the system is designed to be useful as the basis for formal university engineering courses

at the senior/first year graduate level as a reference for the neophyte, the practicing engineer,

or the beginning researcher.

8/9/2019 48.Corrosion Engineering_a Practice Model

3/4

CORROSION

BASICS

PREVENTION

INDUSTRIAL

APPLICATION

THERMODYNAMICS

KINETICS

TERMINOLOGY &

IMPORTANCE

ANODICPROTECTION

INHIBITORS

CATHODICPROTECTION

MATERIALSSELECTION

SEAWATER

CONSTRUCTION

PETROLEUM

Practice 1.0: Definitions

Practice 1.1: Economic costs

Practice 2.0: Measurement electrochem. Pot.

Practice 2.1: Construct Pourbaix diagram

Practice 3.0: Direct meas. of corosion rate

Practice 3.1: Indirect meas. corrosion rate

Practice 4.0: Thickness of galvanized iron

Practice 4.2: Impressed current

Practice 5.0: Identify passivation

Practice 5.1: Potentiostatic test

Practice 6.0: Efficiency of inhibitors in

terms of potentiodynamic curves

Practice 7.0: Metallography

Practice 7.1: SEM experience

Practice 8.0: Weight loss measurements

Practice 8.1: Electrochemical Noise

Practice 9.0: Impedance Measurements

Practice 9.1: Galvanic corrosion

Practice 10.0: Dynamic corrosion

Practice 10.1: Pipelines corrosion

MAIN MODULES SUB- MODULES PRACTICE

I

ncreasin

LevelofDifficult

Increasing Level of Abstraction

Practice 4.1: Sacrifice Anodes

Figure 1. Scheme of a Modular Corrosion Course.

8/9/2019 48.Corrosion Engineering_a Practice Model

4/4