Environmental exposure
Outdoor exposure combines ultraviolet radiation, rain, windborne dust, temperature changes and moisture at bolted or welded details.
Operating conditions
The review focuses on the actual exposure of Solar tracking supports and steel foundations: duty cycle, temperature changes, moisture or process media, dust or particle movement, vibration, access and shutdown constraints. Where a verified numerical value is unavailable, the condition is kept qualitative.
Problem analysis
Corrosion concentrated at joints, edges and weather-exposed areas required continuous protection. Inspection should distinguish active defects from stable areas, confirm substrate soundness and cleanliness, and identify edges, welds, joints, low points and restricted-access zones before the repair scope is fixed.
Problem to address
Moisture, oxygen and the identified industrial medium can form a corrosion cell at welds, edges, gaps and damaged areas. Temperature changes and condensation may increase the time that those details remain wet.