The corrosion performance of galvanized steel under fireproofing was investigated by conducting plant case studies. Four plants were selected in Texas and Louisiana, and a corrosion analysis was conducted on a fireproofed galvanized steel beam that was in service for 14 years and then went through an extensive fire at a petroleum plant in Texas. Galvanized steel under fireproofing in all cases exhibited very satisfactory overall corrosion rates, in conditions which generally combined high humidity, rainfall and air salinity. Galvanized layers were detected even in 48 year old structures. Cases of significant corrosion were associated only with cracking or failure of the fireproofing layer after external damage of the layer occurred. Such failures allowed easy access of water from rainfall, presence of chlorides, and high pH values caused by chemical leaks from nearby reactors.

Subject
Steel structures, Materials, Reactors, Wiring, Galvanized coatings, Refineries, Corrosion cracking, Galvanized steel, Corrosion protection, Zinc, Fireproofing, Concrete, Oil
Keywords:
Fireproofing, Galvanized Steel, Oil Refineries, Chemical Process Industries, Case Studies
© 1994 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1994
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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