Sampling Corrosion Residues to Aid in Failure Investigations

On-site sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis can provide valuable information during a failure investigation. Even if subject components are documented, retained, and/or provided for further materials analysis, these may fail to capture relevant environmental evidence. In the case of corrosion failures, it is oftentimes worthwhile to inspect the scene or entire system involved for the purpose of collecting and evaluating corrosion residues.

This presentation will include several case studies in which corrosion sampling proved to be valuable in identifying the root cause of failure. Additionally, this presentation will discuss techniques for sampling and analyzing corrosion residues, including advanced and nontraditional techniques.