Corrosion of Electrical Conductors in Pulp and Paper Industrial Applications

Electrical equipment supplying and distributing energy is used in every pulp and paper industrial process. Many components made of various metallic and dielectric materials are vulnerable to corrosive atmosphere often present in the pulp and paper industrial facilities. Corrosion of electrical conductors may result in fast and irreversible deterioration, causing production loss and safety hazards. The paper reviews the most severe corrosion problems effecting conductivity of electrical contacts and resulting in overheating of electrical equipment used in this industry. A number of various protecting means are suggested to slow down corrosion of silver and copper, and other metals most often used in electrical equipment. The paper discusses implementation and value of various condition monitoring techniques to provide timely maintenance of electrical equipment exposed to corrosive environment in the pulp and paper facilities.