Replica Molding of Inner Pipe Corrosion

Surface finish of the metal pipe is critical for its product quality and performance. Rust progressively builds up and pits initiate and grow on the metal surface as corrosion process takes place, resulting in roughening of the pipe surface. The differential galvanic properties between metals, the ionic influences of solutions as well as the solution pH may all play roles in the pipe corrosion process, leading to corroded metal with different surface features. An accurate surface roughness and texture measurement of the corroded surface provides insight in the mechanisms involved in a specific corrosion process. Conventional profilometers have difficulty in reaching in and measuring the corroded inner pipe wall. Replica molding provides a solution by replicating the inner surface features in a non-destructive way. It can easily be applied on the inner wall of the corroded pipe and sets in 15 min. We scan the replicated surface of the replica molding to obtain the surface morphology of the inner pipe wall.

Replica Molding of Inner Pipe Corrosion