Go Biobased to Fight Condensate Corrosion
May 23, 2024
When thinking of boiler corrosion prevention, it is best to consider the entire system—from the main boiler to the feedwater, steam lines, and condensate return. Unfortunately, corrosion in condensate lines sometimes catches boiler owners by surprise. Cortec® is here to help boiler owners avoid that unnecessary shock by preventing condensate corrosion with an eye to sustainability.
Cause of Condensate Corrosion
Condensate lines are at greater risk for corrosion due to the alkalinity of makeup water and the high purity of steam condensate. As alkaline water turns to steam, heat and pressure break down common alkaline compounds and release carbon dioxide, which readily forms carbonic acid when it encounters high purity condensate water. The fallout is corrosion. Dissolved oxygen adds to the problem by introducing pitting.
Corrosion Consequences
“Grooving” or thinning of the walls is a telltale sign of acid corrosion and, along with pitting corrosion, can lead to serious problems if left unchecked. In addition to reducing service life, metal loss can create leaks and corrosion products can cause clogging. Repairs may be time consuming and expensive both in terms of direct costs and the loss of production during downtime.
A Biobased Corrosion Preventative
Film forming substances (FFS) are often used to prevent acid from attacking the pipe’s surface. However, they can also create plugging issues if overfed. Cortec® offers a different solution that works similarly to FFS but without the overfeeding concerns. S-10 F Boiler Additive is a USDA Certified Biobased Product that contains 82% USDA certified biobased content. It can be added to steam or condensate lines to form a persistent film on the inner surfaces of the condensate line, protecting the metal from oxidation. S-10 F has a high salt tolerance and is stable under a wide range of temperatures.
Fight Corrosion, Promote Sustainability
Condensate corrosion is no joke, especially when it occurs in lines that are difficult to access and repair. Adding a biobased filming corrosion inhibitor is a great way to promote asset longevity and keep activities running smoothly while giving a nod to sustainability. Contact Cortec® to learn more about S-10 F.
Keywords: biobased corrosion inhibitor, condensate line corrosion, carbonic acid corrosion, corrosion in steam lines, pitting corrosion, downtime from corrosion, Cortec, alternative to filming amine, grooving of condensate lines, boiler corrosion
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