Paul Mueller Company Academy

Tank Surface Damage: Pitting, Corrosion, and Deformation

September 5, 2019 | by Joe Mitchell

Surface damage on a tank be unsightly, but more importantly, it can stop your equipment from operating at its best.  Understanding the types of surface damage can help you control them better. Here is an overview of the 3 most common types:

Pitting

This is a localized type of corrosion in the form of cavities.  These pits come in many forms, including narrow and deep, wide and shallow, and elliptical. In some cases the pitting will undercut and begin to run parallel to the surface.  The most common cause of pitting is chloride ions (can be found in salts and bleach) which damage the passive film of stainless steel.  Pitting can be prevented by controlling the pH, chloride concentration, and temperature in your workspace.

Pitting on Processing Tank

Case of pitting found in a food processing facility

Corrosion

Cracking and Corrosion on a tank
Corrosion and cracking

Several factors can cause corrosion including the characteristics of the media flowing through the system and the environment where the system is located.  Similar to pitting, which is a type of corrosion, the pH, chemical make-up, temperature, and velocity of the media are all contributing factors to the rate of corrosion.  Environmentally, air temperature and humidity level will also contribute to corrosion.

The most common types of corrosion that occurs are:

  • General corrosion - an entire surface begins to deteriorate and the material will continue to weaken until it reaches the point of failure.
  • Localized corrosion - includes pitting (see pitting); crevice corrosion, typically found under gaskets and clamps; and filiform corrosion, occurs under painted surfaces starting at small defects in the coating and spreading under the surface.

 

Deformation

The material that makes up your tank can distort and bend while it is in use into a shape that is different than the original structure, this is known as deformation.  For example, when you are vacuuming your tank, the sides may flex in and out as the pressure changes inside your tank.

Deformation from Fabrication
Deformation on a fermenter chimney

 

The best way to get the most life out of your tanks is a regular maintenance and inspection program.  You can download our maintenance checklist and start your program today. 

Download the Tank Maintenance Checklist 

 

Topics: Tank Fabrication

About Paul Mueller Company Academy

Teaching and sharing ideas has long been part of the rich heritage at Paul Mueller Company. We have almost a century of quality craftsmanship guiding the way we apply new learnings. Paul Mueller Company Academy is a collection point for those learnings, so we can collaborate and grow more successful together. You will find articles, blogs, guides, infographics and more dedicated to furthering knowledge for all, in the world of stainless steel processing equipment solutions. We hope you enjoy!