Primary Causes of Touch Point Corrosion
TPC is largely caused by the interaction between dissimilar materials, particularly wood, and metal, which leads to the corrosion cells within the metal. These cells accelerate the corrosion process, resulting in localized degradation of the pipe's material. If left unattended TPC can significantly impact the integrity of your piping assets, leading to safety hazards, costly repairs, and unexpected downtime across your facility.
The implications of TPC are significant and complex. When water and corrosives become trapped in the crevice between the pipe and its support, this can create an environment conducive to corrosion. Corrosion in this area of the asset is oftentimes difficult to inspect, as it is typically not visible without lifting the pipe to inspect, which can lead to potentially removing environmentally sensitive materials and/or causing additional damage to the piping. TPC can also be attributed to various other factors, including mechanical stress, electrochemical issues, and chemical environment.
