Corrosion inhibitors protect metals from corrosion by reducing the rate of damage. They can be added to fluids or sprayed/painted onto surfaces. Different inhibitors are suited for different applications, but care must be taken with toxic chemicals to protect the environment. Regular inspection is recommended.
A corrosion inhibitor is a chemical compound designed to protect a metal or alloy from corrosion. While corrosion inhibitors do not completely stop or prevent corrosion, they can reduce the rate at which corrosion occurs and stop early corrosion damage. A wide variety of chemicals can be used for this purpose, although many are toxic and must therefore be used with care to protect the environment.
One form of corrosion inhibitor is a compound added to a fluid such as a fuel or lubricant. In this case, the corrosion inhibitor travels with the fluid, providing protection to the systems through which the fluid passes. Commonly, it forms a thin film that prevents reactions between compounds in the fluid and systems such as pipes. This type of corrosion inhibitor can be mixed into the fluid continuously or added periodically to maintain a protective film.
Corrosion inhibitors can also be sprayed or painted to create a thin layer that provides corrosion protection. Many people do this regularly when oiling locks and hinges to keep them from rusting and to keep them moving smoothly. The thin layer of oil acts as a corrosion inhibitor to prevent oxidation so that rust cannot occur. To work effectively, the surface must be clean when the chemical is applied, otherwise corrosive reactions can occur under the corrosion inhibitor.
Once corrosion has already started, a corrosion inhibitor can be used to slow the rate of damage, depending on the corrosives involved and the situation. Some corrosion inhibitors also remove surface layers of corrosion to help restore a material to its original finish before depositing a layer of protection. It is a good idea to regularly inspect systems treated with corrosion inhibitors to confirm that the system is still protected and to check for signs of corrosion and system failure.
The choice of corrosion inhibitor to use varies according to the application. Different chemicals can resist different types of corrosives and may be better suited for various applications, depending on which corrosives and metals are involved. It is also important to consider issues such as system security when selecting a product. Some products are highly effective, but very dangerous, and the safety risks may not be worth the high level of protection conferred by the toxic compound in a system that could release pollutants into the environment.
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