Technical Publications

Elzly Staff have published extensively during their professional careers. Following is a chronological list of technical papers published or presented by Elzly staff in a variety of subject areas. The search feature in the upper right corner of this page can be used to help you find exactly what you need. Most papers are available for download, however if the paper you are interested in is not available directly, feel free to contact us.

Title

A Test of the Reliability of Mathematically Modeling Corrosion

Abstract

Engineers increasingly solve corrosion control design problems and analyze corrosion processes using mathematical models, particularly finite element-type models. Often this approach becomes complicated and its basis obscure. A pragmatic corrosion engineer may wonder if such approaches constitute window dressing and image projection rather than a s...
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Engineers increasingly solve corrosion control design problems and analyze corrosion processes using mathematical models, particularly finite element-type models. Often this approach becomes complicated and its basis obscure. A pragmatic corrosion engineer may wonder if such approaches constitute window dressing and image projection rather than a straightforward and understandable engineering approach. The present paper compares finite element modeling predictions to the results of a controlled laboratory full-scale test. The finite element model supposedly predicted the expected life for the anodic alloy tubing where tubing of two different alloys connected with internal flowing seawater. The full-scale test results show that the mathematical model didn't consider either the effects of time and environmental variables or pitting corrosion. The laboratory test results show that neither the measurement of galvanic current nor the mathematical model calculation forms a basis for estimating of the magnitude of the most important type of corrosion of 70/30 CuNi tubing. The laboratory tests identified pitting corrosion as most important. The deepest pit was not immediately adjacent to the Inconel 625 tubing as most mathematical models predict. For the particular tubing configuration tested, turbulence-induced corrosion caused more damage than that relating to the Inconel 625-70/30 CuNi couple. Thus, in-service mismatches between Inconel 625 and 70/30 CuNi tubing may be of more concern about corrosion of the CuNi tubing than galvanic effects. The laboratory testing results comprised physical examination of specimens exposed to flowing seawater for six months with the continuous monitoring of the more significant environmental variables. The comparison of modeling predictions and actual tubing corrosion places suspicion upon the mathematical model. It appears that the model provides reasonable "order of magnitude" estimation of galvanic current flow. The model neither accurately predicted long term current distribution nor the magnitude of pitting corrosion. This raises a very pertinent question -- "If a mathematical model can't reliably handle simple galvanic corrosion, how reliable are such models when applied to more complex situations?"

Abstract

[view file]

Author

J. P. Ault, P.E., PCS and J. J. Meany, Jr.

Source

Ocean City Research Corporation, 1993

Title

Adhesion Criteria Between Water-Based Inorganic Zinc Coatings and their Topcoats for Steel

Abstract

This report presents the results of a test program designed to investigate, in the laboratory, possible causes for failure of water-based inorganic zinc (WBIOZ) coatings. Failures observed in the field have consisted of either topcoat delamination or the appearance of "freckle rusting" in the cured WBIOZ primer. There are many hypotheses regarding...
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This report presents the results of a test program designed to investigate, in the laboratory, possible causes for failure of water-based inorganic zinc (WBIOZ) coatings. Failures observed in the field have consisted of either topcoat delamination or the appearance of "freckle rusting" in the cured WBIOZ primer. There are many hypotheses regarding the cause of these failures, but no sufficient explanation exists. Furthermore, there are no proven means to ensure that failures do not occur. The general consensus of the literature is that the failures relate to improper cure of the WBIOZ primer. This improper curing is further hypothesized to relate to environmental conditions. The project initially focused on identifying what relationship, if any, existed between environmental conditions and the observed failure modes. Since a definitive relationship did not exist, further testing was conducted to investigate the effects of substrate salt contamination, improper zinc content in the mixed coating and the effects of rinsing the primer before topcoating. This report presents the more practical results of the study. It demonstrates that environmental conditions may be a contributing cause of the failures but are not the primary cause. Substrate salt contamination and improper mixing of the coating were shown to cause freckle rusting. Acrylic topcoat delamination was related to residual alkaline compounds on the primer surface. The surface pH was reduced by applying a dilute acid solution or by weathering for 2 weeks in a northeastern marine atmosphere. Additional ways of reducing the surface pH (weathering or otherwise) should be investigated.

Abstract

[view file]

Author

J. P. Ault, P.E., PCS and C. L. Farschon, P.E.

Source

FHWA-RD-98-170, 2E4A, Final Report, Mar. 1999

Title

Applying Linings to Concrete Surfaces in Water and Wastewater Management

Abstract

The use of linings to rehabilitate concrete surfaces in water and wastewater environments has been increasing. This paper discusses the basics of concrete, concrete deterioration, and subsequent rehabilitation options, with an emphasis on coatings.

Abstract

[view file]

Author

J. P. Ault, P.E., PCS, T. K. Greenfield, PCS, and S. Hosein, M.S.

Source

Corrpro Companies, Inc.

Title

Buried Permanent Reference Cell Performance Testing - An Engineered Approach to Evaluation

Abstract

Permanent reference cells have been used for many years to monitor buried structures susceptible to corrosive elements. These reference cells were typically bagged with a backfill material that made the cells bulky. Several new reference cells have emerged with the advantages of smaller size and apparent longer life. There are currently no industry...
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Permanent reference cells have been used for many years to monitor buried structures susceptible to corrosive elements. These reference cells were typically bagged with a backfill material that made the cells bulky. Several new reference cells have emerged with the advantages of smaller size and apparent longer life. There are currently no industry-standard techniques to evaluate the long-term performance of permanent reference cells for direct-burial applications. Acceptable test methods could assist the engineer in product evaluation, qualification testing and quality assurance testing. Recent in-house testing by some manufacturers has led to the formation of a NACE Technical Exchange Group. This article presents the results of one company's test program.

Abstract

[view file]

Author

J. P. Ault, P.E., PCS

Source

Materials Performance, March 2001

Title

Characterization of Coating Performance in Various Natural Exposure Environments

Abstract

The subject paper presents updated inspection data from a Federal Highway Administration study of the effect of local environments on the degradation of alternative bridge coating materials. Exposure data covers up to nine years of service in several diverse environments, including sites representative of marine, industrial and rural service enviro...
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The subject paper presents updated inspection data from a Federal Highway Administration study of the effect of local environments on the degradation of alternative bridge coating materials. Exposure data covers up to nine years of service in several diverse environments, including sites representative of marine, industrial and rural service environments. Paint deterioration is characterized as the result of local atmospheric parameters, time of wetness and airborne contaminants.

Abstract

[view file]

Author

S.L. Sampson, J. P. Repp, P.E., J.A. Ellor, P.E., J.P. Ault, P.E., PCS, C.L. Farschon, P.E., R.A. Kogler, Jr.

Source

www.corrdefense.org