5.4.2 Use in Acidic, Alkaline, or Electrolytic Conditions
If chain is exposed to sulfuric acid or nitric acid, the following problems may occur:
- Increase in wear due to chemical corrosion beyond normal mechanical wear.
- Brittle failure of chain parts (especially plates).
- Decrease in strength due to corrosion.
- Shortened chain fatigue life due to oxidization or corrosion.
A chain exposed to an electrolytic liquid, such as sea or mine water, may develop pitting corrosion, electrocorrosion, or electrochemical corrosion. There are chains that resist these types of corrosion. Table 5.3 shows examples of typical corrosion resistance of each chain type. In general, the corrosiveness changes based on the strength and temperature of the liquid. Use the information in Table 5.3 only as a reference. Select chains after thorough testing.
