Jamshedpur, Aug. 19: In a bid to check the level of corrosion in various parts of the country, the National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) has decided to prepare a comprehensive map to identify the places of high corrosion level in the country.
The NML has tied up with the Institute for Steel Development and Growth (INSDAG), Calcutta, to prepare the map.
NML officials said the companies, which have been working jointly on the problem of corrosion for the last few years, have decided to come up with a map to identify the areas prone to corrosion.
“We have tied up with INSDAG, which is famous for its work in the field of steel industry, to prepare a map,” said S.K. Narang, head of corrosion protection division of NML. He said corrosion of the historical monuments is a matter of great concern and almost four per cent of the country’s gross domestic product is wasted every year due to it. Though NML has come up with various preventive methods, still a lot needs to be done, he added.
According to Narang, the data collected during the preparation of the map would not only help to check the level of corrosion, but also serve as a guide to the companies. It would help the companies to keep in mind the level of corrosion in a particular area before setting up a new plant or expanding its capacity, he said.
“Though we have data related to corrosion level in some parts of the country, our aim is to tabulate data of all parts of the country, which will converted into a map,” said Narang.
According to sources, though NML has received funds from the Union steel ministry to carry on research work, more funds are required for in-depth study and preparation of the final map.
“Research requires financial support and years of hard work,” said Narang. The mapping project of NML may take few years to get completed, he added. Narang said NML has also decided to organise a national level seminar on prevention of corrosion in steel structures in December this year in order to gather more information about corrosion. Metal science experts will attend the two-day seminar, which is scheduled to begin on December 14, he added.