Corrosion inhibitors (CIs) are anticorrosion chemicals that can be added to a corrosive environment to create physical and chemical interactions with the metal surface. This significantly reduces the corrosion of the metal material. The use of corrosion inhibitors does not require specialized equipment or changes to the metal properties.
Compared to other anticorrosion methods, corrosion inhibitors are easy to use, cost-effective, and widely employed in industrial production and everyday life.
The ease of application, cost-effectiveness, and versatility of corrosion inhibitors make them a preferred choice for protecting metal materials from corrosion in a wide range of industrial settings.
In fact, they are widely used to address two key challenges:
1. Reducing Metallic Waste During Production:
– Corrosion inhibitors help minimize the loss of metallic materials during various industrial processes, preventing unnecessary waste.
2. Reducing the Risk of Material Failure:
– By inhibiting corrosion, these chemicals help prevent sudden and unexpected failures of materials, which can lead to the abrupt shutdown of industrial operations.
The suitability of any given chemical for a task in hand depends on many factors, including their operating temperature.
Applications
Corrosion inhibitors are extensively utilized across various industrial processes, such as: pickling, cooling water systems, acidification of oil and gas wells, water injection in oil fields, storage and transportation of metal products.
Oil and Gas Industry
- Used to mitigate corrosion caused by acidic gases like CO2 and H2S in oil and gas production
- Applied to downhole tubing, pipelines, and equipment made of carbon steel to prevent corrosion
Marine Industry
- Used to prevent corrosion of aluminum and mild steel used in marine equipment and infrastructure
- Helps extend the lifespan of machinery and reduce maintenance costs
Automobile Industry
- Used to prevent pipeline rusting and corrosion
- Added to lubricant oils to protect the engine from corrosion
Wastewater Treatment Plants
- Used to protect steel sewage pipes from rust and corrosion, improving their lifespan
Environmental impact and sustainability of Corrosion Inhibitor
The use of inhibitors is linked to significant drawbacks, including issues related to toxicity, environmental harm, and negative health impacts. Notably, substances like chromates, known for their high efficacy in preventing corrosion, are also identified as carcinogenic. On the other hand, phosphates can lead to eutrophication, promoting algae growth and causing water pollution. Given these concerns, there is a growing interest in developing sustainable corrosion inhibitors that balance effectiveness with environmental consciousness. This shift is driven by the acknowledgment of the harmful effects associated with conventional inhibitors, such as the carcinogenic properties of chromates and the eutrophication effects of phosphates, prompting the search for safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Packing
Based on the type of corrosion inhibitor, the packaging can vary to accommodate different storage and transportation needs. Corrosion inhibitors may be packaged in barrels, typically 55-gallon drums, for easier handling and distribution, also they can be supplied in larger Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), often in the range of 275-gallon capacity. For large-scale industrial applications, corrosion inhibitors may be packaged and transported in iso tanks.