The Function and Application of Corrosion Inhibitors

Corrosion inhibitors are chemicals used to control metal corrosion. Its function is to slow down the corrosion rate caused by the reaction between metals and oxygen, water, or other chemical substances in the environment. Corrosion inhibitors typically work through the following mechanisms:

Forming a protective film: Corrosion inhibitors can react chemically with the metal surface to form a protective film that covers the metal surface, blocking the contact between the metal and the corrosive medium, thereby reducing the occurrence of corrosion.

Changing electrochemical reactions: Corrosion inhibitors can alter the electrochemical characteristics of metal surfaces, making them less susceptible to redox reactions and thus slowing down corrosion.

The main uses of corrosion inhibitors include but are not limited to the following aspects:

Metal corrosion prevention: In industrial facilities, pipelines, storage tanks and other metal structures, the use of corrosion inhibitors can effectively delay the corrosion rate of metals and protect the integrity of equipment and structures.

Boiler water treatment: In the boiler system, adding corrosion inhibitors can control metal corrosion, prevent erosion of boiler pipelines, and extend the service life of equipment.

Cooling water treatment: In the cooling system, corrosion inhibitors can be used to control metal corrosion, prevent equipment such as coolers and cooling towers from being affected by corrosion and scaling, and maintain the efficient operation of the system.

Oilfield exploitation: During the process of oilfield exploitation, some underground equipment and pipelines may be exposed to saline water and other corrosive media. The use of corrosion inhibitors can reduce metal corrosion and protect the integrity of equipment and pipelines.

It is necessary to select appropriate corrosion inhibitors based on the specific application environment and the type of metal materials, and use and control them correctly according to product instructions and relevant standards.