Corrosion Prevention Methods: Wheel Blasting Explained

Explanation:

The type of blasting method that consists of a closed cabinet containing rotated wheels with vanes that propel abrasive onto the surface to remove corrosion products, mill scale, coating, and other contaminants is known as wheel blasting. This process is particularly efficient for cleaning metal surfaces and preparing them for subsequent treatments such as painting or coating.

Corrosion is a significant issue in the industry as it leads to the deterioration of metals through an oxidation process. This REDOX process can result in substantial economic losses and the need for effective corrosion prevention methods is paramount. Protecting metal surfaces from the corrosive effects of exposure to elements is an active area of research and development.

Common metals like iron, when exposed to air, will rust, while others like silver and copper will tarnish or develop a patina. Some metals like aluminum, chromium, and magnesium form protective oxide films on their surfaces, which offer resistance to further corrosion. Additionally, stainless steels, which contain chromium and nickel, are also known for their corrosion resistance.