Chemical Reaction Hazard Testing
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Metal Corrosion Testing & DOT Classification
Corrosion is a problem that impacts multiple aspects of industry including resolving process problems; aiding in the material selection of equipment and storage containers (material of construction compatibility with chemicals); and to satisfy Department of Transportation (DOT), UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS), and other international shipping requirements.
Corrosive substances can present significant challenges in multiple aspects of industry, from process issues to material selection for proper equipment and storage containers based on chemical compatibility. If not identified and handled properly, corrosives may result in severe harm to employees, equipment failure, or product loss.
Understanding the corrosive potential of a substance is also critical for meeting regulatory requirements, particularly those governing domestic and international shipping standards and hazard communication such as the Department of Transportation (DOT), the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS), and the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, among others.
It is therefore essential to understand the corrosive properties of a substance to ensure safe operations and compliant domestic and international shipping practices.
DEKRA offers standardized and customized corrosion testing services that are:
- Fast, Accurate & Reproducible
- Meets standardized corrosion testing methods as prescribed by US-DOT, EPA, and other regulatory agencies
- Can be customized to address your unique needs
DEKRA has the expertise, facilities, and equipment for corrosion testing under both ambient and high-temperature conditions.
We Offer Standardized Test Methods:
- Corrositex Skin Corrosion Testing for Packing Group Assessment (UN GHS, US DOT/EPA, and OECD ): OECD Test 435 uses a simulated skin barrier in place of animal testing to assess whether a substance meets the criteria for a Class 8 corrosive (Packing Group I or II) and to determine the GHS skin corrosion subcategory (1A, 1B, or 1C).
- UN/DOT Test C.1 for Corrosive Properties: This is the method used to determine if a substance, intended for transport, is corrosive to metals as required by 49 CFR 173.137 (DOT) and UN section 37 requirements.
- ASTM G31, Immersion Corrosion for Metals: This highly flexible corrosion standard provides guidance on how to quantitatively measure a material’s compatibility with a given liquid or solid. The test allows for control of temperature, solution, material, duration, immersion vs head space, etc. A robust methodology to validate process design, material compatibility, and inhibitor performance.
Got a Unique Problem? Let Us Be Your Trusted Advisor!
DEKRA has decades of experience testing and classifying materials for all kinds of industries. We want to understand your problem and be a partner that will work alongside of you to select the right testing strategy that fits your needs. We have customized small and large-scale corrosion testing labs and facilities that we can leverage to solve your problem.
Corrosion testing evaluates how metals and other materials react when exposed to chemicals, products, or process conditions. The results can help organizations understand corrosion rates, assess material compatibility, and identify potential risks associated with handling, storage, transportation, and processing.
Corrosion can contribute to equipment degradation, leaks, failures, product contamination, and safety concerns. Corrosive materials testing helps organizations identify potential compatibility and performance issues before they affect operations, transportation, equipment integrity, or product quality.
ASTM G31 corrosion testing is a standardized laboratory immersion method used to evaluate how metals perform when exposed to a specific liquid or chemical environment. The results can support corrosion rate testing and material compatibility evaluations under defined test conditions.
Organizations often conduct metal corrosion testing during product development, process design, formulation changes, material selection, and transportation classification projects. Testing may also be appropriate when investigating equipment degradation, unexpected corrosion, or material compatibility concerns.
Corrosion testing is widely used in chemical manufacturing, petrochemicals, transportation, coatings, waste management, pulp and paper, and power generation. Other industries may also require testing when products, equipment, or materials are exposed to potentially corrosive environments.
Yes. UN DOT corrosive testing can help determine whether a material meets applicable regulatory criteria for corrosive classification and transportation. Class 8 corrosive testing provides data that may be used to support classification decisions and related compliance requirements.
Material compatibility testing evaluates how metals, coatings, equipment materials, and components perform when exposed to specific chemicals or process streams. When combined with corrosion rate testing, this information can help organizations select suitable materials and reduce the risk of degradation or failure.
Yes. Corrosion testing can provide valuable data for process design, equipment selection, material compatibility evaluations, and risk management. Understanding how materials respond to operating conditions can support decisions intended to improve equipment reliability and process safety.
After testing, organizations receive technical data concerning corrosion rates, material performance, compatibility, and applicable classification results. This information can support engineering evaluations, transportation decisions, compliance activities, material selection, and process safety programs.
An independent corrosion testing laboratory provides specialized equipment, recognized test methods, objective analysis, and technical expertise. Working with a qualified laboratory can support ASTM G31 corrosion testing, hazardous materials classification, engineering evaluations, and informed material compatibility decisions.
