Corrosion Inhibitors

Along with biological fouling and fouling due to deposition, water treaters also face the problem of corrosion. Corrosion occurs when a metal experiences destruction by chemical(s) or by an electrochemical reaction with its environment. There are several different types of corrosion that can occur in cooling and heating systems; and the dynamics of these systems (metallurgy, raw water make-up, operating requirements, flow rates, etc.) all play a key role in how each system is treated. When the corrosion is uniform, fouling is the more prevalent problem versus equipment failure. When parts of a system experience localized corrosion, the problems are more severe and the corrosion leads to equipment failure, increased downtime, and substantial repair costs.

In cooling water systems, corrosion can occur in process cooling equipment, cooling water piping, and on heat exchanger surfaces. In boiler systems, corrosion can occur in multiple areas of the system such as, within the boiler itself, steam lines and the condensate return lines. Collectively, the more serious localized corrosion normally comes in the form of pitting, selective leaching, galvanic corrosion, crevice (under-deposit) corrosion, and Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC). No matter the form, metal loss due to corrosion cannot be tolerated; and a high-quality/highly-effective corrosion inhibitor must be a part of any proper water treatment program. The correct implementation of a corrosion inhibitor ensures that the systems you manage will run at optimum efficiency – resulting in lower energy costs, lower water disposal costs, reduced downtime and equipment replacement costs, and provides the added assurance that your clients operate within their environmental regulatory guidelines.