How To Prevent Rust for Storage Containers

How To Prevent Rust for Storage Containers

Meta Description: Discover practical tips and techniques to inspect, prevent, and treat rust effectively in shipping containers. Learn how to safeguard container assets and maximize their useful life

Shipping containers are essential to the logistics industry, enabling efficient transportation worldwide. However, rust formation is a natural outcome as these containers are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions. If left unattended, the containers’ structural integrity and resale value can be affected.

This article discusses the causes of rusting in shipping containers and provides practical tips and techniques to inspect, prevent, and treat rust effectively. It aims to help operators and owners get the most helpful life out of their container assets.

Key Takeaways

• Shipping containers are susceptible to rust formation over time due to their material composition and environmental exposures.
• There are different types of rust, with structural rust being more serious due to its impact on integrity and safety.
• Regular inspection and maintenance through drainage, ventilation, and protective coatings are essential to catch rust early and prevent costly damage.
• Rust prevention is crucial from an operational, financial, and safety perspective for maximizing return on container investments.

Why Shipping Containers Rust

Materials Used in Container Construction

Almost all shipping containers are made from corten steel, a weathering steel alloy that is very durable and corrosion-resistant. While corten steel has an internal oxide layer that helps prevent rust from forming by undergoing a wet and dry cycle, it still contains iron, making it susceptible to rusting when exposed to specific environmental conditions.

The steel used to manufacture containers must withstand the harsh conditions in the marine environment and industrial pollutants associated with transport.

However, factors like airborne salts, standing water, and transport damage can breach a container’s protective paint coating or damage its metal structure, allowing rust to develop.

Environmental Factors That Cause Rust

Some common environmental factors that can lead to rust formation on shipping containers include constant exposure to salt-laden air, especially in areas with humid subtropical climates.

Exposure to soft or wet ground, residual water trapped in places like the container doors or collected in dents, and fluctuations between wet and dry cycles can accelerate the oxidation reaction.

Outdoor containers are also subjected to various corrosive elements like industrial pollutants and airborne salts. Harsh conditions in the marine environment, like exposure to saltwater spray or storage on salt-laden roads, negatively impact the protective barriers and increase rust risks over time if not addressed through regular maintenance.

Structural vs. Non-Structural Rust

Two main types of rust can develop on shipping containers – structural and non-structural. Structural rust occurs beneath the surface of the metal and affects the actual structural integrity of the container over time.

This type of advanced rust can potentially render the container unusable. Non-structural rust, also called surface rust or minimal surface level rust, is generally limited to outer surfaces and cosmetics.

While it may negatively affect things like the container’s resale value, it does not compromise safety or load-bearing abilities in the way that structural rust can.

Signs to Watch Out For

Some signs shipping container operators should watch for include visible rust patches, especially around areas of constant exposure or where water may collect or be trapped, like in container doors or dents.

They should also monitor for damage to the protective paint coating or defects in the metal structure that could allow rust to develop. Advanced rust formation may appear as flaky, brittle rust particulates or pitting/holes in the steel.

Keeping records of a container’s maintenance history and inspecting for thinning or structural damage can help determine if issues are non-structural or require more serious treatment.

Importance of Rust Prevention

Aesthetic and Resale Value Impacts

Rust prevention is important as visible rust formation can negatively impact a shipping container’s aesthetic appeal and marketability. Surface rust or even just minimal surface-level rust can significantly reduce the potential resale value of a used container.

The flaky reddish patches detract from the container’s appearance and may turn away potential buyers. Maintaining an attractive and clean outer coating is important from a business perspective.

Safety and Structural Integrity Concerns

More seriously, unchecked rust poses safety issues if it progresses to compromising the container’s structural integrity. Structural rust poses risks of accidental collapse or breach of the container walls.

This could lead to significant damage to cargo or even injury. Advanced rust may also render a container unusable if it has caused structural damage that impacts load-bearing abilities.

Cost of Repairs

Finally, rust prevention can help reduce long-term expenses. Once significant rust has set in, repair costs skyrocket. Extensive treatments like sandblasting, new protective coatings, and reinforcement welding can rack up bills into the thousands.

These costs strain budgets and cut into profits. Implementing low-cost maintenance and inspection routines that curb rust before it necessitates pricey repairs is far more economical.

Regular upkeep is key to maximizing return on container assets over their lifespan. Proper maintenance is crucial for performance, safety, and financial considerations.