Corrosivity maps of Spain for zinc in rural atmospheres

Atmospheric corrosivity maps provide useful information on the extent of atmospheric corrosion phenomena in a given geographic scope. The preparation of such maps helps designers to select the most suitable metallic material in terms of corrosion resistance and economy and to define the right type of protection for a given durability. This is a difficult task, due to the numerous climate-related factors upon which atmospheric corrosion depends. This work summarizes a funded project by BP Solar to develop atmospheric corrosivity maps of Spain for zinc considering both annual corrosion and long term (15 years) corrosion, which will determine the protection required for the metal structures used in photovoltaic systems, for practically pollution-free rural atmospheres. The method used has been to apply dose/response equations (damage functions) to estimate the corrosion rate as a function of meteorological variables. These variables have been obtained from information of meteorological stations placed in mainland Spain. (Author). 11 refs.