Case study: Minimization of corrosion using activated sodium bromide in a medium-size cooling tower
- Albemarle Corp., Baton Rouge, LA (United States)
- Puckorius and Associates, Evergreen, CO (United States)
The process loop cooling tower at the Albemarle Process Development Center in Baton Rouge, LA has historically used chlorine as the biocide together with industry accepted phosphorus-based corrosion/scale inhibitors. Although this regimen provided biocontrol, sludge and iron build-up was a recurring problem, especially in low-velocity, small cross-sectional areas of piping. A general clean-up of the system was performed in April, 1995. This clean-up was followed with a switch to a two-component corrosion inhibitor/dispersant package. It was decided to study alternate biocides as well at this time. Activated sodium bromide was found to be particularly effective in this tower, which operates at pH {approximately}8.4. Relative to chlorine, the use of activated sodium bromide led to a decrease in general and pitting corrosion on mild steel while maintaining prior performance on admiralty brass. The reduced corrosion appears to be due to a combination of both chemical (less attack on passivated metal surfaces) and biological factors (better control of heterotrophic and sessile bacteria). These conclusions are supported by chemical analyses, corrosion meter and coupon data, dip slides, BART (biological activity reaction test) tests, and visual observations of the tower sump and heat exchanger surfaces.
- OSTI ID:
- 376075
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960389-; TRN: IM9642%%163
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) annual corrosion conference and exposition: water and waste water industries, Denver, CO (United States), 24-29 Mar 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Corrosion/96 conference papers; PB: 6615 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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