Proactive approach towards corrosion control must to prevent loss: Ananth Kumar

There is a need for adopting proactive approach towards corrosion control in manufacturing activities as it could lead to a huge loss for the company, according to Ananth Kumar, Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers, who also laid stress on increased research & development in inventing environmentally sustainable corrosion control techniques.
 
Addressing the Corcon 2014, a conference for corrosion engineering and science, in Mumbai, Kumar said the government as well as the industry should change the mindset and move with enthusiasm to adopt corrosion control and management technique, without considering it as a repair and maintenance issue.
 
According to a recent report of the World Corrosion Organization, the annual corrosion cost is approximately $ 2.5 trillion or 3-4% of the global GDP. In India alone, the loss on account of corrosion is estimated at around $ 67 billion (over Rs 4 lakh crore). Ananth Kumar said, in the fertiliser industry too, corrosion is a major concern due to corrosive nature of raw materials. He said controlling corrosion requires significant expenditure, but it is more rewarding in the long run in terms of increased plant safety, better performance and enhanced asset life.
 
Ananth Kumar said, “Prime Minister has laid great emphasis on ‘Make In India’ with zero defect and zero effect on environment. In this regard, corrosion management will facilitate the manufacturing sector to enhance its competitive edge in the global market. Corrosion control should become an integral part of ‘good manufacturing practice’.”