Azoles – Copper Corrosion Inhibitors

Corrosion in cooling systems can come in many forms, with one of them being galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals come in contact with each other in a solution; and in cooling systems that contain both steel and copper, a copper corrosion inhibitor is required. The triazole chemistries, such as tolyltriazole (TTA) and benzotriazole (BZT) and methylbenzotriazole (MBT), are the most effective corrosion inhibitors for copper and its alloys. Triazole compounds work by forming a protective cuprous oxide (Cu2O) film at the metal’s surface in heat transfer systems. Additionally, triazoles bond with dissolved copper ions in solution. In boiler systems, alkaline ammonia can be produced by the breakdown of nitrogenous organic contaminants, or neutralizing amine chemicals. Although ammonia does not attack steel, copper alloy corrosion can occur if enough ammonia and oxygen are present together; thus, creating a need for azole chemistries to ensure that the system is properly treated.

Primarily, the application of a copper corrosion inhibitor is utilized in open recirculating cooling and closed-loop cooling water systems. However, these same products are a staple in other markets such as, Metal Working Fluids and Engine Coolants. Azole chemistries are very complex and often technical assistance is needed to formulate these products into an effective water treatment program. Bio-Source carries a complete line of azole chemical products to guard your clients systems against yellow metal corrosion. We are proud to be a distributor of the Wintrol® triazole copper corrosion inhibitors, supplying the industrial water treatment and metalworking industries.

Wintrol® T 50Na (50% Sodium Tolyltriazole – NaTTA)
Wintrol® 38Na (Blended Azole – 38%)
Wintrol® T (Tolyltriazole – 100% TTA)
Wintrol® B (Benzotriazole – 100% BZT)
Wintrol® B 40Na (40% Sodium Benzotriazole – NaBZT)
Wintrol® MBT (Mercaptobenzothiazole – MBT)
Wintrol® MBT 50Na (50% Sodium Mercaptobenzothiazole – NaMBT)