Approaching environmental acceptability in cooling water corrosion inhibition

There is growing concern amongst experts and the public over the effect of chemicals used in industry upon man and his environment. The author examines the problems at issue and the advances in technology which have led to the introduction of all-organic corrosion inhibitors for cooling water treatment. All-organic products are generally blends of polymers, phosphonates and carboxylic acids which offer the benefits of being non-toxic and of low environmental impact. Furthermore, incorporation of novel polymeric diol technology into this approach has resulted in the development of organic inhibitors which provide protection approximating to that of chromates without the negative environmental impact.