The latest advances and knowledge in corrosion mitigation was the topic of conversation at the ACA’s Corrosion and Prevention 2019 conference and exhibition, recently held in Melbourne. More than 500 delegates attended the conference from a broad range of industries including coatings, water, mining, building and construction, power, cathodic protection, defence and more.
This year’s event included more than 90 papers from a diverse range of topics; six plenary lectures and six technical forums. The program also provided an extensive social program, where attendees could network with industry colleagues and reunite with old friends.
As the global cost and impact of corrosion continues to grow, so too does the importance of research and sharing best practice to advance knowledge and techniques to help mitigate and repair corrosion damage. The cost of corrosion has been estimated at approximately three percent of GDP. On this basis, Australasian corrosion mitigation costs are predicted to be approximately 58 and 27 billion dollars in Australia and New Zealand respectively.
Corrosion and Prevention 2019 was opened by the Hon. Martin Pakula, Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade. The opening was followed by the starting of the Ed Potter Corrosion Clock. The conference featured diverse technical streams showcasing the latest developments in corrosion, ranging from fundamental corrosion science to hands-on application.
Attendees from Australia and around the world heard about the latest developments in concrete corrosion and repair, steel corrosion, water infrastructure, cathodic protection of pipelines, asset management, high-temperature corrosion, non-ferrous metal corrosion and microbiologically influenced corrosion.
This year’s conference also included the inaugural Women in Corrosion Breakfast which was attended by approximately 80 people and held at Eureka 89 at Southbank. The panel was chaired by Candice Blackney, ACA Vic Branch President from City West Water. It provided a global and also a local perspective with participants from Spain, USA, New Zealand and Australia representing infrastructure assets, academia and industry.
The PF Thompson Lecture was delivered by Willie Mandeno, Principal Engineer Materials, WSP Opus, titled Corrosion and Civil Engineering; What has changed? Willie is an ACA life member and has specialised in the specification of engineering materials and protective coatings for more than 35 years. The ACA's premier dedicated lecture marks Percival Faraday Thompson's contribution by emulating the academic and technical qualities for which he was known and has been delivered every year at the ACA's annual conference since 1951.
Corrosion and Prevention 2019 provided the platform for corrosion stakeholders to meet and discuss a wide range of topics. The diverse technical streams showcased the latest developments in corrosion prevention, management and mitigation.
The focus of the conference was the safe and effective management of the continuing challenge posed by corrosion. It has been estimated that industries and governments spend billions of dollars every year on corrosion mitigation and repair, making it vital that the latest technologies and practices are applied to managing this insidious threat.
As in previous years, the trade exhibition was a popular meeting place with more than 60 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services. The range of exhibitors included materials suppliers, equipment vendors, specialist contractors and consultants. The exhibition provided a valuable opportunity for corrosion professionals, interested parties and the general public to meet with the exhibitors. The learning centre program provided the opportunity for exhibitors to showcases a product and give those interested the chance to ask questions – providing an interactive learning experience.
This year’s Applicator Day was titled, Keeping the Operator out of Harm’s Way through Innovation and was presented by the ACA Applicator Technical Group and sponsored by BlastOne. The ACA Applicators Technical Group represents the needs of specialist contractors in industries that serve the protection or restoration of corrosion effected structures throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The Applicator’s Day began at the ACA Applicator’s Forum at the conference prior to moving offsite for a series of presentations and equipment demonstrations. With 150 attendees, the successful day concluded at the Crown Tonic Bar with a Wrap Party which included entertainment by comedian, Dave Callan.
The annual Corrosion and Prevention Conference is just one aspect of how the ACA collaborates with industry and academia to research all aspects of corrosion mitigation in order to provide an extensive knowledge base that supports best practice in corrosion management, thereby ensuring all aspects of corrosion are responsibly managed, the environment is protected, public safety enhanced and economies improved.
The ACA’s Corrosion and Prevention conference has earned the enviable reputation as the premier corrosion event in the Asia Pacific region, attracting delegates from all over the world. Save the date for next year’s conference: Corrosion and Prevention 2020 will be held from 15-18 November in Perth, Western Australia.
About the Australasian Corrosion Association
The Australasian Corrosion Association Incorporated (ACA) is a not-for-profit, membership association, that disseminates information on corrosion and its prevention through the provision of training courses, seminars, conferences, publications and other activities.
The vision of the ACA is that corrosion is managed sustainably and cost effectively to ensure the health and safety of the community and protection of the environment.