Corrosion Inhibitors are used in many products and environments to guard against corrosion.
Corrosion affects all sorts of metal parts, in all situations. Corrosion inhibitors are found in items such as fuel, oils and paints. Without these corrosion inhibitors, the metal structures and components would corrode quicker, and could result in a component failure which could be dangerous to health and safety.
Vehicle oils contain corrosion inhibitors so that the metal parts the oil is designed to protect doesn’t corrode. Whether you drive a car or a lorry, or ride a motorbike or a bicycle, the oil you use to lubricate moving parts will need to be effective. Without corrosion inhibitors, the oil won’t be effective.
Fuels need to have corrosion inhibitors added for the same reasons. The fuels are in contact with a lot of metal parts, such as the engine, as well as the fuel tanks at the petrol station, in the fuel tanker that delivers the petrol, and at the refinery.
Pipelines that carry liquids are often made from metals, and so will need to be protected against corrosion. These piplelines are usually in constant use and so need to be reliable. Piplelines can also be in remote locations such as under the sea, which makes them hard to get to. Using corrosion inhibitors helps to reduce downtime due to corroded pipes and ensures that supplies are still able to get through. Oil refineries, and other liquid storage containers need corrosion inhibitors so that the products stored don’t corrode the tanks that they are stored in over time.
As well as liquids needing corrosion inhibitors, structures that are in water or outside may well benefit from corrosion inhibitors. Bridges and other metal structures that are at the mercy of the elements can be treated so that they don’t rust and corrode. In addition to metal, concrete can also be treated so that it isn’t affected by the weather.
Wherever there is a risk of water touching a metal part, corrosion inhibitors should be considered. Whilst the corrosion inhibitors won’t stop corrosion altogether, the most effective inhibitors are up over 90% effective, which means that structures, storage tanks, vehicles will last longer and that all the other instances where corrosion inhibitors are used, the corrosion will be minimised.
Minimising the risk of corrosion can save both time and money and can enhance the quality and reliable delivery of products and services. Without corrosion inhibitors, there is a much greater chance of metal structures and components rusting, and failing. See what other Refinery Specialties are available to help you.
