Everything you need to know about rust

Rust is a serious problem to applications across all industries, from infrastructure on building and construction sites to general manufacturing equipment. However, while the effects of corrosion are widely recognised, there are misconceptions about common causes and the best methods of treatment.

An understanding of the conditions and environments that exacerbate corrosion can enable maintenance engineers to choose the most suitable product for their application. Choosing the right treatment can be difficult due to the varying characteristics of rust treatment solutions, from high temperature resistance to pH neutrality.

“Most businesses consider rust more of a nuisance than a problem,” explained Peter Crossen, VP of the Maintenance and Partsmaster Innovation Platform at NCH Europe. “As a result, they employ a reactive approach to dealing with issues as they arise instead of preventing them in the first place.

“With this guide we’re hoping to inform businesses about all the factors that hasten the development of rust and corrosion, outlining why it’s better to be safe using preventative measures than sorry for not acting sooner. It saves a lot of time, money and inconvenience by simply staying alert.”

The guide specifically looks at the steps required to provide effective and lasting treatment of surfaces that have been hit by rust. This is outlined through a three-step procedure that involves degreasing, treating and coating that works to not only remove rust but keep it from returning.

“Many maintenance engineers think of rust treatment as just being a case of removal,” continued Crossen. “In reality it’s much more effective to encapsulate with a product such as Salvage 2+ that can streamline the rust management process to offer protection that lasts longer.

“The idea of rust being the enemy is true, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right solution and approach, corrosion can actually become a significant ally, ensuring that plant and facilities managers maximise the life of equipment by maintaining it regularly.”