Galvanized steel pipes are steel pipes that have been coated with a layer of zinc to protect them from corrosion. The galvanization process involves either hot-dipping or electroplating the steel with zinc, creating a barrier that helps prevent rust and extends the pipe's lifespan. Galvanized steel pipe is a kind of steel product widely used in the fields of construction, manufacturing and water pipes. It has excellent corrosion resistance and can effectively extend its service life.
However, due to the inevitable environmental oxidation and external friction, the surface of the galvanized steel pipe will gradually rust and corrode, which will affect its structural strength and use effect. Therefore, for the anti-corrosion protection and long-term maintenance of galvanized steel pipes, we need to understand some related mechanisms and methods.
Anti-corrosion protection mechanism
1. Galvanizing
Galvanizing is one of the most widely used methods for steel corrosion protection. By coating a layer of zinc on the surface of the steel pipe, a physical isolation protection layer can be formed to prevent direct contact and corrosion of oxidizing substances, thereby extending the service life. It is worth noting that the thickness and quality of the zinc layer have a crucial impact on the anti-corrosion protection effect. Generally speaking, the thickness of the zinc layer must reach more than 6um to effectively improve the anti-corrosion performance of the steel pipe.
2. Painting
In addition to galvanizing, painting is also a commonly used method for steel corrosion protection. By spraying a layer of paint or epoxy resin with good corrosion resistance on the surface of the steel pipe, a chemical isolation protective layer can be formed to prevent the steel pipe from being corroded by the atmosphere, moisture and acid and alkali substances, thereby improving its corrosion resistance and service life.
3. Anodic protection
Anodic protection is the use of electrochemical principles to add some metals or alloys to the surface of steel to make it an anode for the steel, thereby achieving corrosion protection for the steel. This method is suitable for corrosion control in specific environments.
Long-term maintenance methods
1. Regular cleaning
In order to ensure the normal use of steel pipes and extend their service life, regular cleaning is particularly important. Generally speaking, we recommend that galvanized steel pipes be thoroughly cleaned once a month, especially in humid and corrosive environments, and more attention should be paid to cleaning.
2. Prevent bumps
Wear and bumps on the surface of the steel pipe will cause damage and oxidation of the galvanized layer, thus affecting its anti-corrosion protection effect. Therefore, during transportation and use, bumps and impacts should be avoided as much as possible.
3. Apply zinc powder
If the galvanized layer on the surface of the steel pipe is partially damaged or oxidized, we can repair it by applying zinc powder to restore its anti-corrosion protection effect.
The premise of zinc powder coating is to ensure that the surface of the steel pipe is clean and smooth.
Questions and Answers :
1. Q: How to determine whether the protective layer of galvanized steel pipe meets the standards?
A: Generally speaking, we can judge whether the protective layer of galvanized steel pipe meets the standards through the following two methods: 1. Visual inspection method, that is, judging by observing the appearance, brightness, thickness and other indicators of the galvanized layer; 2. Thickness gauge method, that is, using a professional thickness gauge to test the surface of the steel pipe to determine whether the thickness of the galvanized layer meets the standard requirements.
2. Q: What should be done if the galvanized layer falls off or oxidizes during use?
A: If the galvanized layer on the surface of the steel pipe is found to be falling off or oxidized, it is recommended to repair it as soon as possible. You can use zinc powder to repair it, or replace the entire steel pipe. At the same time, the use environment should also be checked and improved to avoid similar problems from happening again.
3. Q: Which one is better for anti-corrosion protection, painting or galvanizing?
A: Both painting and galvanizing are commonly used methods for anti-corrosion protection of steel. The specific effect of which one is better needs to be comprehensively considered based on factors such as the use environment and service life. Generally speaking, painting is suitable for some relatively humid and acidic and alkaline environments, while galvanizing is suitable for environments with severe atmospheric corrosion and moisture corrosion.
Read more: Will Galvanized Steel Pipes Rust? What to do after Rusting?