Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Chlorid / Español: Cloruro / Português: Cloreto / Français: Chlorure / Italiano: Cloruro

Chloride in the quality management context refers to the presence and concentration of chloride ions in materials or products, which is a key factor in controlling and ensuring the quality and longevity of those products, especially in industries sensitive to corrosion or contamination.

Description

Chlorides, typically sodium chloride (common salt) and other salts containing the chloride ion, are important in quality management because of their impact on material degradation, particularly through corrosion. Chloride ions are highly corrosive to metals, and their presence can accelerate the deterioration of metal components and structures by breaking down the metal's passive oxide layer, making it vulnerable to oxidation and corrosion.

In industries like construction, automotive, and manufacturing, managing the levels of chloride is crucial for ensuring the durability and safety of metal structures and parts. In the food and pharmaceutical industries, chloride levels are monitored for different reasons, primarily to ensure product safety, flavor profile consistency, and compliance with health standards.

Application Areas

Chloride management is crucial in several key areas:

• Construction: In concrete and metal works, controlling chloride levels is essential to prevent steel reinforcement corrosion which can lead to structural failures.
• Water Treatment: Chloride concentrations are monitored in both drinking water and wastewater to meet regulatory standards and prevent corrosion in pipes and treatment facilities.
• Food Industry: Chloride content affects flavor, preservation qualities, and compliance with health standards regarding sodium content.
• Pharmaceuticals: Chlorides are monitored as impurities that can affect the efficacy and stability of pharmaceutical products.

Well-Known Examples

An example where chloride management is critical includes the use of deicing salts on roads and highways. These salts, primarily composed of chlorides, can cause severe corrosion in vehicles and infrastructure. As a result, quality management in automotive manufacturing involves testing and treating materials to enhance their resistance to chloride-induced corrosion.

Treatment and Risks

Improper management of chloride levels can lead to increased corrosion rates, structural integrity loss, health risks in consumables, and failure to comply with regulatory standards. Strategies to manage chloride involve material selection (e.g., using corrosion-resistant alloys), coatings, inhibitors, and regular monitoring of chloride concentrations in relevant environments.

Similar Terms

• Corrosion management
• Salt contamination
• Ionic contamination

Weblinks

• environment-database.eu: 'Chloride' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu
• top500.de: 'Chloride' in the glossary of the top500.de

Summary

In the quality management context, chloride refers to the presence and control of chloride ions, which can have significant implications for product durability, safety, and compliance with standards, particularly concerning corrosion and contamination. Managing chloride levels is essential across various industries to ensure the longevity and reliability of products and infrastructure.

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