ThePipingMart Blog other How to Prevent Metal-to-Metal Contact in Piping Systems?

How to Prevent Metal-to-Metal Contact in Piping Systems?

Pipe corrosion keeps the user in a tight position and affects cost. Besides the cost, metal-to-metal contact can cause injuries and put worker’s life in trouble. These corrosion points are challenging to observe with the naked eye. Metal has a sturdy structure, and when it comes in contact with metal, it results in severe corrosion of a piping system. As a result, it ruins pipes and eradicates them. Simultaneously, it is using a metal piping system, several ways to prevent the dangers of metal-on-metal contact. Still, corrosion is not so scary, and one can avoid it and keep pipes clean and clear. There several tricks by which you can fight against a pesky metal issue and save money spent on repairs.

Metal to metal pipe corrosion

Many pipe installers are identifying pipe corrosion when piping material breaks down due to environmental impact. Corrosive pipes show many rusty sections and spots that usually look eaten or worn down. These are the indicators of pipe corrosion and metal structural damage.
Metal corrosion is a chemical event that plagues metals. The reaction takes place when a piece of metal loses its electrons and becomes weak. These electrons are forced to leave the metal when they contact an electrolyte solution like water and electron-loving materials. Metal suddenly becomes vulnerable to other destructive chemical reactions and results in rusting, cracks, and holes on metal’s external or internal surface. Pipe corrosion is a self-perpetuating phenomenon that means metal corrosion gets worse once it transpires to the metal surface. Hence, it is essential to keep metal safe, workable, and free from exploitation using several ways. Besides, these ways help in keeping metal free from corrosion and creeping.

The reason behind metal pipe corrosion

When the metal comes in contact with corrosive elements, it produces corrosion. Elements like air, water, oxygen, grime, and other metals can come in contact with metal.

How to avoid metal to metal contact in the piping system?

There are excellent ways to reduce metal-on-metal contact and increase the working life of piping systems. The control measures support and make adjustments in the current piping system. Following are the ways to avoid the catastrophic damage of metal-on-metal contact in the piping system:

  • Isolate the piping system

    Isolators are the key elements that help you in isolating pipes. These isolators are a physical buffer that goes between metal piping and surrounding metals. Slide plates, wear pads, and flat plates are some of the common examples of isolators. Every type of isolator supports metal piping by forming a layer, and they absorb friction produced after the exposure of metal to surrounding beams. Pipes shoes also work as metal-on-metal reducers that isolate the piping system smoothly. Pipes shoes are a composite material that offers additional durability, non-metallic support to metallic piping and metal beams. But pipe shoes are not suitable for the issue of friction and dissimilar metal corrosion. Along with pipe isolation, these pipe shoes limit heat transfer and make the pipe extremely cold.

  • Elevate piping system

    It is a secondary option to keep metal pipes from contacting other metal surfaces. One can elevate piping by taking the support of pipe shoes, and other support systems can also eliminate the task of lifting piping. Several pipe restraints support the lifting of pipe up and hold them in the right place. The pipe restrains can also limit the issue of metal-on-metal contact and redirect movement. In some cases, an improper restraint causes point loading, and restraint pins down a pipe without allowing its movement. Here, points loading can block vibrations and put them together into a single point. An adequately installed pipe restraint improves axial direction, spread vibrations throughout the surface naturally, and produces fewer damages to the piping system.

Protect current pipe support system

It is essential to protect pipe suppsorts as they play a crucial role in protecting against metal-on-metal contact. For example, heavy-duty pipe restrictions involve hold-down clamps then it must consist of liners to keep pipes away from scraping against the metal clamp. Liner offers insulation to piping and absorbs fluctuations.
Additionally, while using tinier, unlined commands such as U-bolts, it is essential to protect them against metal-on-metal loss using thermoplastic coatings. Also, one can strengthen metal exteriors by galvanization and finishes. There are a couple of types of zinc finishing methods to know in detail:

  • Zinc Plating

    It is a finishing process that involves the addition of a zinc coating to the metal’s surface. A thin layer of zinc makes the metal ideal for indoor constraints.

  • Hot-Dip Galvanization

    It is a different approach to add zinc to metal and reinforce it. Nevertheless, this method combines a thicker coating compared to zinc plating. The process of Hot-dip galvanization protects core metals against external metals, corrosive conditions, high humidity, and an alkaline atmosphere.

Decrease Metal-on-Metal Association using quality products

Overcoming the destruction of metal-on-metal contact can extend the service life of pipes and the entire piping system. It is essential to implement suitable products for the piping system.

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