Why Does Mild Steel Pipe Rust?

Rusting principle of mild steel pipe

The main reason for rusting of mild steel pipes is due to the oxidation reaction between their surface and oxygen and moisture in the air. The carbon steel pipe generally contains iron elements, which are easily oxidized to form iron oxide (Fe2O3) and iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)2), which causes red rust on the surface of mild steel pipes.

Reasons for rusting of mild steel pipes

1. Oxygen and moisture in the air

After the surface of the mild steel pipe comes into contact with oxygen and moisture in the air, an oxidation reaction occurs, resulting in rust. Like common seamless steel pipe, in underground pipe corridors with poor ventilation and high humidity, oxidation and rust are very likely to occur due to long-term contact with humid air.

2. Environmental factors

If there are certain acidic and alkaline substances in the environment, it may also cause rusting of mild steel pipes. In addition, if exposed to a humid environment for a long time, it is also easy to cause rusting of mild steel pipes. For example, in the production area of chemical enterprises, some carbon steel pipes that transport acidic or alkaline media are affected by the volatilization or leakage of chemicals, which accelerates the rusting process of the pipes.

3. Improper surface treatment

Improper surface treatment of mild steel pipes, such as unclean cleaning, grease pollution, surface indentation, etc., are easy to cause rusting of ms pipes. In some factories, after welding with pipe flange, the welding residues are not cleaned up, which becomes the starting point of rust.

How to avoid rusting of mild steel pipes

1. Control environmental conditions

Try to store mild steel pipes in a dry, ventilated, and weathering-free environment to avoid the invasion of mild steel pipes by moisture, acidic and alkaline substances.

2. Surface treatment

For the treatment of the surface of mild steel pipes, it is necessary to ensure that the surface is clean, remove all impurities such as grease, steel slag, etc., and take anti-corrosion measures, such as galvanizing and chrome plating.

3. Packaging and storage

During production, transportation and storage, attention should be paid to the packaging of mild steel pipes to prevent mild steel pipes from being affected by the external environment. At the same time, when storing, it should be stored in a dry, ventilated and temperature-appropriate place to avoid the mild steel pipe from being attacked by a humid environment.

Conclusion

The above is a detailed introduction to the causes of rusting of mild steel pipes and preventive measures. In the process of using mild steel pipes, it is necessary to pay attention to the surface treatment of mild steel pipes, control the storage environment, and avoid the mild steel pipes from being attacked by moisture, acidic and alkaline substances. As long as it is stored and used in the correct way, the problem of rusting of mild steel pipes can be effectively avoided.

Read more: Difference between mild steel pipe and carbon steel pipe