Corrosion Inhibitors

Industrial Cleaning Corrosion Inhibitors

Corrosion inhibitors are vitally important in any application where water is in contact with metal. Furthermore, ensuring the integrity of metal parts is a key element of any maintenance schedule. It is, therefore, of utmost economic importance to protect machinery, transport, infrastructure, vehicles and industrial equipment.  Worldwide, the annual costs resulting from corrosion is reported at US $2.2 trillion, or over 3% of the world’s GDP.

Wherever water contacts metal surfaces there is potential for damaging corrosion. The water may be in contact in the form of a heat transfer fluid or coolant in a closed system or be entrained in an oil. solvent or other machine lubricant. Additionally, it may be a condensate on a metal surface, a cleaning product, a deicer. Another potential agent of corrosion may be a vessel pressure testing fluid used to pressure test vessels.

Proper selection of materials and inhibitors reduces the damage caused by corrosion and mitigates costs. Good corrosion control prolongs the lifetime of equipment, reducing replacement or repair costs and equipment downtime. Learn more about Brad-Chem Corrosion inhibitors.

Corrosion Inhibitors for Transport Infrastructure Applications

Roads and rails must continue to function year round despite exposure to the elements. In winter, snow and ice can cover road surfaces, rails and points. Moreover, the ice compacts to form a hazardous slippery surface. Consequently, local government departments must clear infrastructure of ice and snow for the safety of transport. Melt water from deicing roads and rails is corrosive and may damage street furniture, structural metals, bridges, vehicles, tracks and points. Correspondingly, increased corrosion damage causes annual repair or replacement costs. Learn how Brad-Chem corrosion inhibitors for winterization costs can help to reduce costs.

Automotive Applications and Antifreeze / Engine Coolant

Passenger cars rely on fluids in closed systems in order to function. For example, the fuel system contains liquid gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, or LPG. Furthermore, each of these fuels can contain trace amounts of water. The coolant system typically contains water or glycol/water based fluid. The lubricant system contains either mineral oil or a synthetic lubricant base stock. The transmission system requires a separate gear oil or ATF fluid; likewise, the power assisted steering system.

Without corrosion inhibitors all of the enclosed systems in passenger cars would corrode. In addition, this would lead to regular equipment failure. Consequently, there would be lots of downtime and high costs for repairs and replacement parts. Learn more about Brad-Chem products for the automotive industry sector.

Typical engine coolants / ready to use antifreeze fluids contain the following:

• Water
• A Glycol, such as ethylene glycol
• Corrosion Inhibitors
• Dye or colouring agent
• Bitterant

The water aids the flow and cooling, glycol prevents freezing and boiling, and the the corrosion inhibitors protect the engine. Booster additives such as sodium molybdate are sometimes added for heavy duty antifreeze/engine coolant applications.

Corrosion Inhibitors for Parts Washing Applications

Parts washing and impregnation are important for the pressure resistance, sealing, and maintenance of metal parts. Notably, automotive, industrial, and aerospace sectors use parts washing and impregnation.

Parts washing and impregnation and the subsequent rinsing of the parts takes place in water or solvent, often at elevated temperature and under conditions in which corrosion can occur, which can damage or stain surfaces, which may then require multiple washing /impregnation cycles.

Brad-Chem corrosion inhibitors inhibit corrosion in automotive parts washing and impregnation operations. Our inhibitors are also used in industrial and aerospace parts washing, improving the surface finish and colour. This eliminates the need for multiple washing or impregnation cycles. Find out more about our Corrosion inhibitors for automotive and industrial parts washing.

Brad-Chem corrosion inhibitors are also effective in turbine cleaning applications. Find out about Brad-Chem corrosion inhibitors for turbine cleaning applications here.

All of these large parts washing operations generate a lot of water water. It is, therefore, essential to use non-toxic biodegradable corrosion inhibitors.