In the heart of China’s Anhui Province, a critical study is unearthing valuable insights into the soil corrosion of galvanized steel grounding materials used in power grids. Led by MAO Ruirui from the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Hefei University of Technology, the research, published in *Cailiao Baohu* (translated as *Materials Protection*), is shedding light on the complex interplay between soil properties and the longevity of these essential components.
The study, a collaborative effort with the Electric Power Research Institute of Anhui Electric Power Co., Ltd., buried galvanized steel specimens in natural soil environments across representative substation sites. After a year, the specimens were analyzed to understand the composition and structure of the corrosion layers, and to investigate the mechanisms driving soil corrosion.
“Our findings reveal that the corrosion products on the galvanized layer exhibit significant stratification, with uneven general corrosion exacerbated by embedded soil particles,” explains MAO. The corrosion products were primarily identified as ZnO, Zn(OH)2, Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2, and Zn4(OH)6SO4.
The research employed Spearman correlation analysis to determine the influence of key soil physicochemical properties on the corrosion rate. The results were clear: pH value, salt content, redox potential, moisture content, soil resistivity, and soil texture all played significant roles, with pH value emerging as the most influential factor.
Electrochemical tests in simulated soil corrosion solutions further validated these findings. “The pH value had a greater effect on the corrosion current density of the galvanized steel specimens than chloride ion concentration,” notes MAO, underscoring the accuracy of the correlation analysis.
For the energy sector, these insights are invaluable. Understanding the factors that accelerate soil corrosion can inform better material choices and maintenance strategies, ultimately enhancing the reliability and safety of power grids. As the demand for electricity continues to grow, ensuring the integrity of grounding materials becomes increasingly critical.
This research not only advances our scientific understanding but also paves the way for practical applications. By identifying the key soil properties that influence corrosion, engineers can develop more effective corrosion-resistant materials and strategies, potentially saving millions in maintenance and replacement costs.
As the energy sector evolves, studies like this one will be instrumental in shaping the future of power grid infrastructure. The work of MAO and their team serves as a reminder of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the power of scientific inquiry in driving progress.