Effects of atmospheric corrosion in company facilities located in Porto do Açu, Brazil, five years after the operations start

Abstract

The salt in the atmosphere of coast environment, when in association with the time and humidity, can cause the oxidation of some materials. The economic losses by the corrosion are estimated in 3% of the world GDP and the use of preventive technologies could save 20% to 25% of this cost. The goal of this work is evaluate the impact of the atmospheric corrosion at Açu Port companies, located in São João da Barra, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A survey was conducted with managers of three companies in operation more than five years in the port. Information about the financial, material and health impact, beyond preventive and corrective strategies were obtained. As the manager’s opinion the losses caused by the corrosion on the companies has an intermediate level (grade = 3), on a scale from 1 to 5. Infrastructure represents 50% of the impacts, 30% are parts and tools and 20% are equipments. The general cost to the companies to preventive and corrective maintenance with replacement of pieces and equipment damaged are not yet fully understood by managers. This research does the first data survey about the corrosion at Industrial Complex of Açu Port. The data suggest that the companies didn’t adequately consider this trouble. The implementation of specific techniques for prevention and control of the atmospheric corrosion must be necessary in the Port of Açu.