Silicate as a Corrosion Inhibitor In Water Systems

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Abstract
The development of a simple, economical proportional liquid feeding device for distributing sodium silicate in domestic water pipes permitted effective and widespread use of this inhibitor. For the past 32 years it has been used for protection of galvanized iron, galvanized steel, yellow brass, and copper water piping in thousands of buildings in East Coast cities which have corrosive water supplies. Properly controlled, silicate treatment has eliminated rusty water, maintained satisfactory flow rates, and minimized failures due to pitting and to clogging by corrosion products. Comparative field experiments have demonstrated its effectiveness. Most cases of poor results when using a silicate inhibitor have resulted from improper feeding by dosing methods, piping defects, poor plumbing design or fabrication, or improper operation of the water system, particularly with respect to lack of hot water temperature control. Studies of the protective mechanism have shown that it involves formation of a thin film containing both silica gel and an absorption compound of silica and the metal hydroxide. Further basic studies are desirable for understanding the respective roles in protective film formation of alkalinity and silica in natural waters as compared to those in added silicate. 5.8.2

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