Overview of boiler water corrosion inhibitors

1.1 Definition and importance

Boiler water corrosion inhibitor is a chemical added to the boiler water system to prevent or slow the corrosion of the boiler and related equipment. Boilers are widely used in industrial and civil fields to produce steam or hot water to provide the necessary thermal energy for power generation, heating and industrial production. However, the water environment in the boiler is easy to cause corrosion, resulting in equipment damage, reduced efficiency, and even lead to safety accidents. Therefore, the rational use of corrosion inhibitors is of great significance to extend equipment life, improve operation efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

1.2 Types of boiler corrosion

Boiler corrosion mainly includes the following types:

  1. Electrochemical corrosion : This is the most common form of corrosion, due to the metal forming an electrochemical reaction with water and dissolved oxygen, resulting in metal ions entering the water to form oxides and hydroxides.
  2. Chemical corrosion : Chemical corrosion is due to the chemical reaction of dissolved substances in water (such as acid, alkali, salt) directly with the metal, resulting in damage to the metal surface.
  3. Local corrosion : including pitting corrosion, gap corrosion and stress corrosion, etc., often occur in local areas of the metal surface, resulting in local perforation or cracks.
  4. Microbial corrosion : caused by microorganisms in water, acidic or corrosive substances produced by microbial metabolism will accelerate metal corrosion.

1.3 Principle of boiler water corrosion inhibitor

Boiler water corrosion inhibitors work in the following ways:

  1. Passivation metal surface : The corrosion inhibitor forms a dense passivation film on the metal surface to isolate corrosive substances.
  2. Neutralizing acidic substances : Corrosion inhibitors neutralize acidic substances in water to reduce the acidity of the corrosive environment.
  3. Adsorption on the metal surface : The corrosion inhibitor is physically or chemically adsorbed on the metal surface to form a protective barrier.
  4. Inhibit corrosion reaction : The corrosion inhibitor inhibits the electrochemical reaction in the corrosion process by chemical reaction.

Classification and application of corrosion inhibitors

2.1 Organic corrosion inhibitor

Organic corrosion inhibitors prevent corrosion mainly by adsorption on the metal surface to form a protective film. Common organic corrosion inhibitors include:

  1. Amine compounds : such as diethanolamine and triethanolamine, can form a stable protective film on the metal surface.
  2. Imidazoline compounds : has good water solubility and high temperature resistance, often used in high temperature and high pressure boilers.
  3. Benzotriazole : has a good corrosion inhibition effect on copper and copper alloys, and is often used for the protection of copper-containing equipment.

2.2 Inorganic corrosion inhibitor

Inorganic corrosion inhibitors usually prevent corrosion by forming an insoluble or insoluble protective film. Common inorganic corrosion inhibitors include:

  1. Phosphates : such as sodium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium hydrogen phosphate, can form a layer of insoluble phosphate film on the metal surface.
  2. silicate : such as sodium silicate, can form a layer of silicate film on the surface of the metal to prevent corrosion.
  3. Zinc salts : such as zinc salts, can form a layer of insoluble zinc compound film on the metal surface.

2.3 Polymer corrosion inhibitor

Polymer corrosion inhibitors prevent corrosion by forming a high molecular polymer film. Common polymer corrosion inhibitors include:

  1. Polyacrylic acid : has good water solubility and dispersion, can effectively prevent the formation of sediments.
  2. Polyvinyl alcohol : has good film formation and high temperature resistance, often used in high temperature and high pressure boilers.

2.4 Compound corrosion inhibitor

Composite corrosion inhibitors are composed of two or more different types of corrosion inhibitors that provide better corrosion protection effects through synergies. For example, a composite corrosion inhibitor containing phosphates and polymers can simultaneously inhibit corrosion and prevent scaling, improving the overall effect of boiler water treatment.

Boiler water corrosion inhibitor selection

3.1 Selection principle

When selecting boiler water corrosion inhibitor, the following aspects need to be considered:

  1. Corrosion inhibition effect : The corrosion inhibitor should have a good corrosion inhibition effect and can effectively prevent corrosion under the predetermined conditions of use.
  2. Compatibility : The corrosion inhibitor should be compatible with other chemicals in the boiler water system, without adverse reactions.
  3. Economy : corrosion inhibitor should have a good cost performance, can control the cost at the same time to provide good protection effect.
  4. Environmental friendly : The corrosion inhibitor should be environmentally friendly and does not produce harmful by-products after use.

3.2 Select corrosion inhibitors according to water quality

The quality characteristics of boiler water have an important influence on the selection of corrosion inhibitors. Under different water quality conditions, different types of corrosion inhibitors should be selected. For example:

  1. Hard water : hard water contains a higher concentration of calcium and magnesium ions, which is easy to form scale. Corrosion inhibitors containing dispersants and scale inhibitors should be selected to prevent scale formation and provide good corrosion inhibition.
  2. Soft water : The content of calcium and magnesium ions in soft water is low and the corrosion is strong. Corrosion inhibitors with good passivation effect should be selected to prevent metal corrosion.
  3. High salinity water : high salinity water contains a high concentration of dissolved salts, strong corrosion. Corrosion inhibitors that can be stable in high salinity environments should be selected to provide long-term protection.

3.3 Select corrosion inhibitors according to boiler type

Different types of boilers have different requirements for corrosion inhibitors. Common boiler types include:

  1. Low pressure boiler : Low pressure boiler operating temperature and pressure is low, less corrosion risk. Conventional corrosion inhibitors can be selected to provide basic corrosion protection.
  2. High pressure boiler : High pressure boiler operating temperature and pressure is high, the risk of corrosion is greater. Corrosion inhibitors that are resistant to high temperature and high pressure should be selected to provide long-term stable anti-corrosion protection.
  3. Circulating fluidized Bed boiler : circulating fluidized bed boiler operating conditions are complex, prone to local corrosion. Corrosion inhibitors with good dispersion and coverage should be selected to prevent local corrosion.

Boiler water corrosion inhibitor use method

4.1 Initial addition

Before starting up the boiler, the initial dosage of corrosion inhibitor is required. The specific steps are as follows:

  1. Cleaning system : Before the initial addition of corrosion inhibitor, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the boiler system to remove scale, rust products and impurities to ensure the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitor.
  2. Calculated dose : According to the capacity and water quality of the boiler water system, calculate the amount of corrosion inhibitor required. Under normal circumstances, the dosage of corrosion inhibitor should reach the concentration of its best corrosion inhibition effect.
  3. Uniform addition : The calculated amount of corrosion inhibitor is uniformly added to the boiler water system to ensure that the corrosion inhibitor is fully dispersed and mixed in the system.

4.2 Routine Maintenance

In the process of boiler operation, it is necessary to maintain the concentration and effect of corrosion inhibitor regularly. The specific methods are as follows:

  1. Regular monitoring : Through chemical analysis, electrochemical testing and corrosion mounting methods, regularly monitor the corrosion inhibitor concentration and corrosion rate in boiler water.
  2. Appropriate supplement : According to the monitoring results, the appropriate amount of corrosion inhibitor is added to ensure that the concentration of corrosion inhibitor in the system is kept within the effective range.
  3. Adjust the water quality : According to the change of water quality, adjust the type and dosage of corrosion inhibitors to ensure the best effect of corrosion inhibitors.

4.3 Cleaning and maintenance

Regular cleaning and maintenance of the boiler water system helps to keep it slow

The effectiveness of the etch. The specific steps are as follows:

  1. Regular cleaning : Regularly clean the boiler water system to remove possible sediments and corrosion products to prevent these substances from affecting the effect of corrosion inhibitors.
  2. Check the equipment : regularly check the status of the boiler and related equipment, timely detection and treatment of corrosion problems, to prevent the problem from expanding.
  3. Replace the corrosion inhibitor : According to the service life and effect of the corrosion inhibitor, the corrosion inhibitor is replaced regularly to ensure that the system is always well protected.

Corrosion inhibitor monitoring and control

5.1 Chemical analysis

Chemical analysis is a method to determine the concentration of corrosion inhibitor in water by chemical reaction. Common chemical analysis methods include:

  1. Titration method : Determination of the concentration of corrosion inhibitor by titration reaction, suitable for corrosion inhibitor with higher concentration.
  2. Colorimetric method : Determination of corrosion inhibitor concentration by color reaction, suitable for low concentration corrosion inhibitor.

5.2 Electrochemical method

Electrochemical method is a method to determine the effect of corrosion inhibitor by electrochemical test. Common electrochemical test methods include:

  1. Polarization curve method : By measuring the polarization curve, the influence of the corrosion inhibitor on the corrosion process is analyzed.
  2. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy : By measuring electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the impedance characteristics and corrosion inhibition effect of the inhibitor are analyzed.

5.3 Corrosion hanging method

Corrosion hanging sheet method is a method of placing metal hanging sheet in boiler water system, taking out regularly to measure the corrosion rate of hanging sheet, and evaluating the effect of corrosion inhibitor. The specific steps are as follows:

  1. Prepare the hanging plate : Select the metal hanging plate of the same material as the boiler, clean it and weigh the initial mass.
  2. Hanging plate : Hang the plate in the boiler water system to ensure that it is subjected to the same corrosive environment.
  3. Regular measurement : regularly take out the hanging piece, clean it and weigh the quality after corrosion, calculate the corrosion rate.

Development trend and prospect of corrosion inhibitors

6.1 Research and development of new corrosion inhibitors

With the development of science and technology, the research and development of new corrosion inhibitors have made continuous progress. In recent years, green environmental protection corrosion inhibitors have become the focus of research, including plant extract corrosion inhibitors, biodegradation corrosion inhibitors and so on. These new corrosion inhibitors not only have good corrosion inhibition effect, but also are environmentally friendly and meet the requirements of sustainable development.

6.2 Intelligent application of corrosion inhibitors

With the development of industrial automation and intelligence, the application of corrosion inhibitors has gradually developed in the direction of intelligence. Through the on-line monitoring and control system, the water quality of the boiler water system is monitored in real time, and the amount of corrosion inhibitor is automatically adjusted to ensure the stable operation of the system. At the same time, big data and artificial intelligence technology are used to analyze the monitoring data, predict the corrosion trend, and propose an optimization plan to improve the use efficiency of corrosion inhibitors.

6.3 Comprehensive protection system for corrosion inhibitors

In order to improve the anti-corrosion effect of boiler water system, the use of corrosion inhibitors has gradually developed to the direction of comprehensive protection system. Through the combination of scale inhibitor, dispersant, deaerator and other chemicals, multiple protection is formed to improve the overall protection effect of the system. At the same time, by optimizing the process flow, improving the operating conditions, further reducing the risk of corrosion, and improving the operating efficiency and life of the system.

Economic analysis of corrosion inhibitors

7.1 Cost of corrosion inhibitors

The cost of corrosion inhibitors mainly includes the following aspects:

  1. Raw material cost : The main components of corrosion inhibitors and the procurement cost of auxiliary materials.
  2. Production cost : Equipment, energy and labor costs required in the production process of corrosion inhibitors.
  3. Transportation and storage costs : Transportation and storage costs of corrosion inhibitors from the production plant to the user site.

7.2 Economic benefits of corrosion inhibitors

The use of corrosion inhibitors can bring the following economic benefits:

  1. Extend the service life of the equipment : corrosion inhibitors effectively prevent the corrosion of the boiler and related equipment, extend the service life of the equipment, and reduce the cost of replacement and maintenance.
  2. Improve operating efficiency : corrosion inhibitors prevent the formation of corrosion products and sediments, keep the boiler heat transfer surface clean, improve heat transfer efficiency, reduce energy consumption.
  3. Reduce downtime : Corrosion inhibitors reduce equipment failure and downtime caused by corrosion, improve production efficiency and economic benefits.
  4. Reduce environmental protection costs : Green environmental protection corrosion inhibitor reduces waste water treatment and environmental protection costs, in line with environmental protection regulations.

Environmental effects and countermeasures of corrosion inhibitors

8.1 Environmental impact of corrosion inhibitors

Corrosion inhibitors may have a certain impact on the environment during use, mainly including the following aspects:

  1. Water pollution : The discharge of corrosion inhibitors may lead to water pollution, affecting aquatic organisms and the ecological environment.
  2. Soil pollution : Leakage of corrosion inhibitors or improper disposal of waste may lead to soil pollution, affecting soil quality and crop growth.
  3. Air pollution : Volatile components of corrosion inhibitors may cause air pollution, affecting air quality and human health.

8.2 Development and application of environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors

In order to reduce the impact of corrosion inhibitors on the environment, the development and application of environmental protection corrosion inhibitors have become a research hotspot. Environmental protection corrosion inhibitors mainly include the following categories:

  1. Plant extract corrosion inhibitor : The use of plant extract as a corrosion inhibitor has good corrosion inhibition effect and biodegradability, and is environmentally friendly.
  2. Biodegradable corrosion inhibitor : The use of biodegradable materials as corrosion inhibitors can be rapidly degraded after use, without long-term pollution to the environment.
  3. Low toxicity and low residue corrosion inhibitors : Develop low toxicity and low residue corrosion inhibitors to reduce pollution to water, soil and air.

8.3 Corrosion inhibitors for wastewater treatment

Wastewater treatment after the use of corrosion inhibitors is an important measure to reduce the environmental impact. Common wastewater treatment methods include:

  1. Physical treatment : removal of suspended matter and particulate matter in wastewater by physical methods such as precipitation and filtration.
  2. Chemical treatment : Through neutralization, REDOX and other chemical methods to remove harmful substances and heavy metals in wastewater.
  3. Biological treatment : biological methods such as microbial degradation to remove organic matter and toxic substances in wastewater.

Corrosion inhibitor research and development

9.1 Research direction of corrosion inhibitors

The research direction of corrosion inhibitors mainly includes the following aspects:

  1. Development of new corrosion inhibitors : Development of new corrosion inhibitors with higher corrosion inhibition effect, better compatibility and lower environmental impact.
  2. Research on corrosion inhibition mechanism : Study the action mechanism of corrosion inhibitors on metal surfaces, reveal the corrosion inhibition process and mechanism of corrosion inhibitors.
  3. Optimal formulation of corrosion inhibitor : Optimize the formulation of corrosion inhibitor to improve its corrosion inhibition effect and use efficiency.
  4. Corrosion inhibitor application technology : Study the application technology and method of corrosion inhibitor to improve the use effect and economic benefits of corrosion inhibitor.

9.2 Development method of corrosion inhibitor

The development method of corrosion inhibitors mainly includes the following steps:

  1. Formula design : According to the use requirements of corrosion inhibitors and target performance, design the formula of corrosion inhibitors, determine the main components and auxiliary materials.
  2. Experimental verification : Through the experiment to verify the corrosion inhibition effect and performance of the inhibitor, optimize the formula and process conditions.
  3. Pilot scale up : On the basis of laboratory research, pilot scale up is carried out to verify the industrial application effect of corrosion inhibitors.
  4. Product promotion : Promote the application of corrosion inhibitors through market promotion and application demonstration to improve its market share and economic efficiency.

9.3 Evaluation indexes of corrosion inhibitors
The evaluation indexes of corrosion inhibitors mainly include the following aspects:

Corrosion inhibition effect: the corrosion inhibition effect of the corrosion inhibitor under actual use conditions, including corrosion rate, corrosion form and corrosion products.
Stability: Stability and durability of corrosion inhibitors under different temperature, pressure and water quality conditions.
Compatibility: Compatibility of the inhibitor with other chemicals and system materials without adverse reactions.
Environmental impact: The environmental impact of the corrosion inhibitor, including toxicity, biodegradability and residues.
conclusion
Boiler water corrosion inhibitor plays an important role in industrial production and civil fields, and its rational use can effectively prevent the corrosion of boilers and related equipment, extend the service life of equipment, improve operating efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. With the development of science and technology, the research and development of new corrosion inhibitors continue to make progress, and the application of green environmental protection inhibitors, intelligent corrosion inhibitors and comprehensive protection systems will become the future development trend. Through reasonable selection and use of corrosion inhibitors, scientific monitoring and control of the concentration and effect of corrosion inhibitors, long-term stable operation of boiler water system can be achieved, and reliable technical support can be provided for industrial production and social development.

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