HOW TO PREVENT GALVANIC CORROSION

I.

Use of electrical insulation between different metals

Galvanic corrosion can be prevented by the use of electrical
insulation between different metals thus stopping formation of
the electrical circuit. However, it is important to ensure that
the circuits not accidentally completed by any later plant
alterations.

II.

Use of metal fasteners

Galvanic corrosion can be prevented by the use of metal fasteners such as
bolts, screws, and welds. This is because fasteners have a much smaller
surface area than the materials they fasten. For fasteners that take on the role
of the anode will be at risk of rapid corrosion and thus should be avoided. For
example, zinc-coated fasteners should only be used to connect steel coated
with aluminium, zinc, and galvalume, as these are very close on the galvanic
series and are not generally at risk of corrosion when placed together. On the
other hand, zinc-coated or aluminium-coated fasteners should not be used to
attach copper or stainless-steel panel. To minimize the risk of galvanic
corrosion of fasteners, match the surface metal on the fastener with that on the
metal it will fasten. The most desired combination of large anode with small
cathode; in other words, fasteners such as bolts and screws should be made of
the metal less likely to corrode, or the more cathodic.

The following chart can be used to guide the selection of fasteners based on galvanic
action:

III.

Use possible solution which can act as the coat to the stainless steel
surface
For example, liquids in storage tanks are often corrosive at the liquid level and
immediately above it due to the exposure to oxygen and condensation. An
attempt to protect the tank wall from corrosion can consist of lining it with a
stainless steel sheet, with weld overlay or metal spray but as a consequence
can result in galvanic corrosion of the carbon steel wall adjacent to the

stainless steel lining. Depending on the electrical conductivity of the liquid

and anticorrosive measures taken the corrosion can take the form of a groove
or of a shallower but extended removal of carbon steel. In order to control the
progress of corrosion inspection at regular intervals is needed. A deep groove
can be filled by welding. If a stainless steel filler metal is used the groove
forms adjacent to the repair weld. The use of possible solution can
prevent galvanic corrosion would be to coat the entire stainless steel surface.