Calculate additional metal thickness allowance from corrosion rate and design life, then estimate the required starting thickness for a component.
How is corrosion allowance calculated? Multiply the expected corrosion rate by the design exposure period. This gives the expected thickness lost during that period.
What is corrosion allowance? It is additional material thickness provided to compensate for expected corrosion-related metal loss during service.
What corrosion rate should I use? Use a measured project-specific rate when available. Historical inspection data, material information and environmental studies are preferable to generic assumptions.
Can I use mils per year? Yes. The calculator converts mils/year to millimetres/year automatically.
Does the design margin replace a code safety factor? No. The optional margin is only an additional calculation allowance and should not be treated as a substitute for required engineering-code factors.
Can this calculate required steel thickness? Yes. Enter the minimum required end-of-life thickness and the calculator adds the expected corrosion allowance and optional design margin.
Can corrosion rate change over time? Yes. Real corrosion rates can change with operating conditions, environment, coating degradation and other factors. The constant-rate model is a simplification.
Is this suitable for pressure vessel design? It can be used for preliminary estimation, but final pressure-vessel, piping or tank design must follow the applicable engineering code and project specifications.