Assess
Document the material and system situation
Corrosion control
Controlling corrosion starts with understanding where it originates.
A technical approach to corrosion in industrial water systems.
From problem to cause
Investigate the mechanism first
Oxygen, conductivity, pH, temperature, flow velocity, material combinations and deposits can all contribute. Adding an inhibitor alone is therefore not always sufficient.
Signals in the installation
- Rust-coloured water or corrosion products
- Pitting or localised attack
- Leakage or unexpected wall-thickness loss
- Fouled filters and heat exchangers
Approach
From diagnosis to control
Analyse
Assess water chemistry and relevant trends
Implement
Determine the mechanism and risk locations
Verify
Implement treatment and monitor results
Root-cause diagnosis
Similar symptoms can have different causes
We therefore link visible signs to water chemistry, process data, materials and the location where the problem occurs in the installation.
General oxygen corrosion
Oxygen ingress, low pH, higher conductivity and temperature can accelerate general corrosion.
Galvanic corrosion
Unfavourable material combinations and electrical contact can cause large local differences in corrosion.
Under-deposit or microbiologically influenced corrosion
Local chemical conditions can develop under deposits and biofilm and promote pitting.
Treatment route
Interventions matched to the mechanism
- Address sources of oxygen ingress, leakage, unfavourable pH and conductivity
- Remove deposits, stagnant zones and hydraulic bottlenecks where possible
- Select a suitable inhibitor or film-forming route based on materials and system conditions
- Define a baseline, action limits and periodic review
Frequently asked questions
Technical choices require system context
These answers provide initial direction. The final approach follows from the installation data and product documentation.
Is rust-coloured water always evidence of active corrosion at that location?
No. Corrosion products may originate elsewhere and be transported through the system. Location, timing, metal analysis and inspection help identify the source.
Can a higher inhibitor dose always solve a corrosion problem?
No. With oxygen ingress, incorrect pH, galvanic coupling, deposits or insufficient flow, the underlying cause must also be addressed.
How quickly is the effect of a new corrosion programme visible?
That depends on system volume, surface area, existing deposits and the measurement method. Use a baseline and assess both early trends and results over longer exposure.
A specific challenge?
Discuss your water system with a specialist.
Briefly describe what you observe in the installation. Together, we will determine the most logical first step.