--- type: "Article" title: "Corrosion rate: the strategic choice of materials" description: "Ajoutez votre titre ici Case study Corrosion rate: the strategic choice of materials One of our customers wanted to test the corrosion resistance of their heat exchangers. Accueil • Blog • Corrosion rate: the strategic choice of materials The problem..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/blog/2025/11/corrosion-rate-the-strategic-choice-of-materials/" tags: ["Case study", "EN", "pll_691f162bbf002"] timestamp: "2026-01-22T13:49:00Z" published: "2025-12-02T07:05:35Z" language: "en" author: "bwa" --- # Corrosion rate: the strategic choice of materials ## Ajoutez votre titre ici Case study # Corrosion rate: the strategic choice of materials One of our customers wanted to test the corrosion resistance of their heat exchangers. [Home](https://filab.fr) • [News](https://filab.fr/?post_type=post) • Corrosion rate: the strategic choice of materials ## The problem   **A company specializing in the manufacture of heat exchangers for industrial installations wishes to expand its market to coastal areas.** **Its standard product, made of 304L stainless steel, performs well in conventional environments (fresh water), but the company is hesitant to use a more expensive copper alloy for applications in saline environments.****It needs quantitative data to justify this technical and commercial choice to its customers.** To address this issue, FILAB has developed an approach based on electrochemical analysis. ## Summary 01 Identify the most suitable material for use in saline environments [](#cont-01) 02 Our technical approach [](#cont-02) 03 The benefits of this analysis for the client [](#cont-03) 04 Conclusion of the study [](#cont-04) 01 ## Identify the most suitable material for use in saline environments **Objective:** The objective of this study is to assist our client, who specializes in manufacturing heat exchangers for industrial installations, in selecting the most suitable material for use in saline environments. Should they continue to use 304L [stainless steel](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/stainless-steel-analysis-according-to-nf-a36-711-standard-in-laboratory.md) or switch to a [corrosion](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination/laboratory-expertise-and-analysis-of-corrosion.md) but more expensive? This analysis is essential because it aims to provide the knowledge needed to avoid problems when using these products. 02 ## Our technical approach To objectively compare the two materials, we set up a simple and effective test plan based on the technique of **electrochemical** analysis: • Standardized test specimens (metal coupons) made of 304L steel and copper alloy were immersed in two different environments: a simulated fresh water solution and an artificial seawater solution. • We first measured the [**open circuit voltage (OCV)**](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization/free-potential-measurement-ocv.md) to observe the spontaneous behavior of each metal in each environment. This measurement is a fundamental piece of data in surface [**electrochemistry**](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization.md). • Next, using **linear sweep voltammetry (LSV)**, we accelerated the process very slightly to accurately determine the [corrosion rate](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization/study-corrosion-speed.md). LSV is a common technique in **electrochemistry** for quantifying reaction kinetics, in this case the rate of metal dissolution (corrosion). ![](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ecovadis-88-e1761922380472.png) 03 ## The benefits of this analysis for the clien The figures in μm/year confirm that the choice of material must be strategically adapted to the operating environment. **• Justification for the additional cost:** The initial additional cost of the copper alloy is fully justified in marine environments by the **extended service life** of the heat exchangers and their **increased reliability**. This choice minimizes long-term maintenance and replacement costs, offering better overall value for coastal customers. • Commercial positioning: this study gives the company a competitive advantage by enabling it to defend a rigorous technical argument. It can now target coastal markets with a scientifically validated solution, reinforcing its image as an expert in the field of **material selection** and the control of **electrochemical corrosion** risks. 04 ## Conclusion of the stud This comparative **electrochemical** study quantified the difference in behavior between 304L stainless steel and copper alloy in different environments, providing a solid technical basis for decision-making. In conclusion, for market expansion into coastal areas, copper alloy is the optimal technical solution and the most economically viable in the long term, guaranteeing the performance and reliability of equipment. Need help? Contact our team [](#filab-contact-form) ## Other case studies you may be interested in ### Industrial marking Conduct a cleaning process study in the context of industrial marking [Learn more +](https://filab.fr/en/blog/2025/12/industrial-marking-on-metal-parts-cleaning-process-study-case-study.md) ### Comparative study of two joints [Learn more +](https://filab.fr/en/blog/2025/12/comparative-study-of-two-seals-made-of-fkm-and-epdm.md) ### Method transfer As part of the rehabilitation of several of their industrial sites, the client (a pharmaceutical group) must closely monitor the decontamination of their soil and water from active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). [Learn more +](https://filab.fr/en/blog/2025/12/case-study-method-transfer-by-filab.md) [View all our case studies](https://filab.fr/en/blog-filab.md) ## Services related to the case study [## Free potential measurement (OCV) in laboratory – electrochemical testing](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization/free-potential-measurement-ocv.md) [## Galvanic Coupling Test – Electrochemical Test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization/galvanic-coupling-testing.md) [## Impedance measurement in laboratory – electrochemical test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization/impedance-measurement.md) [## Electrochemical testing](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/electrochemical-characterization.md) [![avis filab](https://filab.fr/wp-content/themes/astra-child/templates/assets/img/avis-verifies.svg) 5/5 ![note filab](https://filab.fr/wp-content/themes/astra-child/templates/assets/img/stars.svg)](https://www.avis-verifies.com/avis-clients/filab.fr) ## Laboratory specializing in analysis and expertise for industrial companies ![More than 140 people](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/collaborateurs-1.svg) More than 140 people at your service ![5200 m² laboratory](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/labo.svg) 5200 m² laboratory + 99% of services are provided in-house ![Accredited laboratory](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ISO-17025-1.svg) Accredited laboratory COFRAC ISO 17025 ![+2200 clients](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/clients.svg) +2200 clients in France and abroad ### Contact us Our services are reserved for professionals. 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