Evaluation of the Atmospheric Corrosion Indices at Different Sites in Chile Using the (CLIMAT) Wire-on-Bolt Test

This study classifies the atmosphere of certain sites in Chile in order of corrosivity using the CLIMAT technique (Classification of Industrial and Marine Atmospheres), and compares the results with a more conventional methodology (ISO 9223). The study sites are: Putre, Huasco, Valpara so, Quintero, Los Andes and Temuco. Aluminum wire was used for the anode, while the cathode was iron in the monitoring of marine environment (Al-Fe), copper for industrial environment (Al-Cu) and polyethylene for general atmospheric corrosion (Al-polyethylene). The Marine Corrosion Index (MCI), the Industrial Corrosion Index (ICI) and the Atmospheric Corrosion Index (ACI) were calculated for each station. The atmospheric corrosion categories are in line with both methodologies and the CLIMAT test can therefore be used to obtain reliable results in a short period of time. The corrosion rate of the aluminum was also measured and the percentage galvanic effect calculated at each station.