Corrosion process of D32 steel used for offshore oil platform in splash zone

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to study the corrosion behavior of D32 steel suffered to marine splash zone. Type D32 structural steel has good mechanical properties and is commonly used for offshore oil platform construction in China. To ensure the safety of marine steel structure, it is important to study the corrosion process of D32 steel in the splash zone. Design/methodology/approach – The corrosion behavior of D32 steel in splash zone environments was studied using polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical results were obtained from the corroded steel samples exposed in the splash zone of a bespoke simulate device, while corrosion morphologies and corrosion products of the steel samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Findings – In wet–dry cyclic exposure, the reaction was a self-perpetuating process of chemical oxidation and electrochemical reduction. The rust itself took part in the reduction processes and, hence, increased the corrosion rate of the steel samples. Originality/value – Finally, the corrosion process of D32 steel in splash zone is considered.