Erosion Corrosion

Erosion corrosion is an accelerated deterioration of a metal surface as a result of flowing liquid. Erosion corrosion occurs because of turbulence near the metal surface. This type of corrosion is characterized by gullies, undulating surfaces and rounded holes in the metal surface. All types of metals, when subjected to fluid/liquid and/or gaseous flow are susceptible to erosion corrosion. An example of erosion corrosion is illustrated in a copper water pipe failure shown in Photograph A.

Photograph A Interior of copper water pipe.
 Size transition caused turbulence and erosion.