Corrosion is one of the basic problems encountered in designing cooling water treatment programs.  The intent of this chapter is to outline some fundamentals, not to make you a corrosion specialist.  Remember that corrosion control is just one part of a complete cooling water program.  If you treat solely for corrosion, ignoring the potential effects of deposition or microbiological fouling, your program will have problems.  

The Nature of Corrosion

Corrosion is the electrochemical reaction of a metal with its environment.  It is a destructive reaction and, simply stated, is the reversion of refined metals to their natural state.  For example, iron ore is iron oxide.  Steel is refined iron ore or relatively pure iron.  When steel corrodes, it again forms iron oxide.  Our primary objectives in controlling corrosion are:

Mild steel is the primary metallurgy of concern in cooling systems.  Copper, copper alloys, and other alloys are important, but they have more inherent resistance to corrosion than steel.  Aluminum presents unusual problems; special consideration of the treatment program may be required.

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