Situation

Due to stricter regulations on biocontrol compliance in cooling tower water systems, a Midwest refinery experienced increased copper and mild steel corrosion rates. The refinery actively strives to protect the public, minimize potential risks to the environment, and safeguard the health and well-being of employees and contractors while sheltering assets from damage or loss. With increased chlorination in the cooling systems, the impact on admiralty brass and associated mild steel corrosion was recognized by the refinery. The refinery’s management turned to Nalco Water to help mitigate any potential damage.

Solution

Having recognized the challenges brought by increased chlorination, Nalco Water developed a yellow metal corrosion inhibitor, a safer chemistry to deliver asset integrity under harsh oxidizing conditions.

The technology has been specifically designed as an environmentally friendly method to control yellow metal corrosion in highly oxidizing environments. Coupled with a rapid test method, this patent pending chemistry allows for swift and accurate adjustments, mitigating potential damage from periodic excursions.

Results

The inclusion of the corrosion inhibition technology not only improved yellow metal corrosion, but soluble copper levels and mild corrosion as well. It succeeded in safely controlling admiralty brass heat exchanger corrosion and limiting any subsequent galvanic corrosion potential on critical mild steel heat exchangers.

The new robust treatment, together with the rapid test method, delivered on the requirement to cost-effectively improve asset integrity and safety on-site.