Nace to set up institute in Mumbai for corrosion engineers

With an objective to have certified corrosion engineers in the country, Nace International India Section will be investing about Rs 3.5 crore to set up a professional institute in Mumbai.

"We are in the process of setting up the institute in Mumbai with the help of two Indians, who are working in very high positions in America. We will be spending about Rs 3.5 crore for setting up this institute," Nace International India Section trustee Rajan Bahri told a press conference here.

"We have already identified a location for this in Mumbai and have mobilised almost half of the money for the project," he added.

"The two Indians in the US have agreed to supply the equipment for the institute," he said adding, "the institute will start functioning from next year."

"The losses through corrosion across all segments in India is estimated to about Rs 100,000 crore every year and it is a major problem in every industry worldwide. Corrosion must comprehensively be protected, managed and communicated," said distinguished scientist and director of Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research Baldev Raj, who is also the president of southern zone of Nace International India Section.

Only a few institutes offer professional courses on corrosion. It is very essential to have certified corrosion engineers in the country. We also have to draw a roadmap to communicate on the importance of corrosion protection and the enormous savings, he added.

Though there are no proper studies on losses due to corrosion, the losses are really huge.

"If we can save the approximate losses of Rs 100,000 crore, we can fund a lot for healthcare, education and poverty alleviation programmes in the country," Raj said.

Raj, who will be one of the members of the trust of the proposed institute, said that the new institute would be a professional organisation and offer 60 days course on corrosion protection for engineers, science graduates and diploma holders with experience from all disciplines.

Nace International India Section, an affiliate of the US-based Nace International, was established in 1992.

Nace International has been creating awareness on corrosion and also provides courses to protect people, assets, and the environment from the effects of corrosion.