Corrosion Effect in Carbon Steel: Process Modeling Using Fuzzy Logic Tools

Abstract

Acid mine drainage (AMD), resulting from mining activities, poses a significant environmental concern. It adversely affects metallic materials, particularly carbon steel composites used in mining machinery and structures. Highly acidic and oxidizing compounds like sulfuric acid and ferric ions cause corrosion, iron oxide formation, and hydrogen gas release, which degrade carbon steel. AMD also alters the solvent’s properties, dissolving heavy metals and contaminants, and intensifying the environmental impact of mining. A 30-week experiment immersed metal plates in AMD to study its effects. Weekly observations of the plates and solvent were made. The plate measurements and physicochemical data were analyzed using graphical–statistical analysis and fuzzy logic techniques to assess the data quality and identify errors. The results reveal consistent findings with prior studies, such as material degradation with weight loss and alterations in acid drainage media, including increased pH and total dissolved solids (TDS). These changes in the solvent characteristics stem from the dissolution of metal ions from corroded surfaces, reacting with the acid solution. Overall, this study discusses the effects of AMD (acid mine drainage) on metallic materials and emphasizes the significance of monitoring and reducing the environmental consequences of mining activities.