Materials.Business Newsletter ⚙️ August 28th, 2024
How Corrosion and Integrity Will Support a More Sustainable Future?
At the 32nd International Materials Research Congress, the focus on corrosion and integrity as drivers for a more sustainable future became a significant topic of discussion. Experts from around the globe, including engineers, material scientists, and industry leaders, gathered to explore the intersection of sustainability, material science, and integrity management.
One of the most compelling presentations came from our own investigation into how improving integrity management can play a vital role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite technological advancements, stringent codes, and highly qualified professionals, the cost of corrosion continues to be staggering globally. A recent Canadian report revealed that corrosion costs an estimated USD 52 billion annually, nearly 3% of the country's GDP. This figure is representative of a global challenge that transcends industries. The pressing question is: why are these figures still so high despite our technological capabilities, and how can we change this?
The tragic incident in Aqaba, Jordan, where a falling storage tank released a toxic chlorine cloud, is a poignant reminder of the dangers poor integrity management poses not only to human lives but also to environmental safety. Preventing such accidents is crucial for achieving sustainability. Engineers and scientists must focus on innovative approaches, aligning with the SDGs to ensure that we reduce material loss, environmental degradation, and safety hazards.
Key Takeaways from the Congress
Throughout the congress, participants discussed new approaches to corrosion protection that could enhance sustainability and extend the life cycle of critical infrastructure. Presenters emphasized the need for industries to shift from an era of unlimited consumption to one where the fight against material misuse and loss is paramount. This shift requires a holistic approach that merges corrosion and integrity management with sustainable practices, such as designing for purpose and planning decommissioning with a second life in mind.
One of the highlights of the conference came from a presentation on Circular Materials: how using recycled materials in infrastructure projects can reduce the carbon footprint and minimize the environmental impact of new constructions. Another presenter delved into Smart Coatings—materials that react to their environment to prevent corrosion before it starts, offering both protective and sustainable benefits to industries like oil and gas, renewable energy, and civil engineering.
A Path Forward
Incorporating effective corrosion and integrity management systems can lead industries toward a more sustainable future. Profitability can go hand-in-hand with sustainability if industries adopt innovative designs, maintain operational integrity, and ensure that decommissioning processes support environmental goals.
By integrating these principles, industries can not only reduce their corrosion costs but also enhance their market value and operational efficiency. The journey to a sustainable future might be closer than we think—if we align our engineering processes with the goals of reduced waste and smarter resource management.
Corrosion and integrity management aren't just technical fields—they are essential for global sustainability. The presentations and discussions from the congress highlight the urgent need for industries to adapt and innovate in order to prevent accidents, reduce costs, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. As we continue to merge engineering excellence with sustainability, we move closer to achieving a world where technology supports both prosperity and environmental preservation.
"Achieving a more sustainable operation is closer than you think when designing with purpose, maintaining integrity, and decommissioning with a second life in mind." - Monica Hernandez.
Ultimately, a world of shinny suggestions and opportunities for material engineers, Corrosionists, and all the people in charge of caring for materials and assets in the times to come.
#CorrosionControl #SustainabilityInEngineering #IntegrityManagement #SDGs #MaterialsScience #CircularEconomy #SmartCoatings
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Latest jobs in the industry this week
Engineer, Asset Integrity Inspection, Petroplan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Malaysia
Researcher, Corrosion Engineer, Alberta Innovates, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Cell Materials Engineering Technician, Tesla, Dartmouth, NS, USA
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