Corrosion inhibitors: what they are and what they are for
WHAT ARE CORROSION INHIBITORS?
Corrosion inhibitors are protective chemicals that prevent scale and corrosion for heating systems and metal surfaces.
They are designed to extend the life of the system and to ensure the maximum efficiency of the boiler (without damaging it), keeping fuel consumption to a minimum and reducing consumption in the bill and maintenance costs.
They are not hazardous treatments, as they do not contain toxic or irritating substances but, like all chemical products, they must still be handled with caution, to avoid any accidental contact.
Their neutral pH formulation makes them suitable for all metals, including aluminium.
ARE CORROSION INHIBITORS REQUIRED?
Yes, they are mandatory, as reported in the D.M. 26/2015 – chapter 2.3, point 5:
“In relation to the quality of the water used in thermal systems, with or without the production of domestic hot water, without prejudice to the application of the UNI 8065 technical standard, a chemical conditioning treatment is always mandatory. […]”
The mandatory treatments reported in the Technical Standard UNI 8065: 2019 to which the D.M. are:
- The system powerflushing
- Chemical conditioning for protection against corrosion and encrustations
The powerflushing of the system basically consists in the break-up of deposits and impurities using restoring chemicals, then entrusting their capture and removal to sludge remover filters.
The protection of the system, on the other hand, consists in protecting the entire system from corrosions and encrustations with a long-lasting effect. It acts, in fact, for a long time within the closed circuit.
MANTA SOLUTIONS
Manta has created two formulations of corrosion inhibitors: liquid (BP 100 PLUS) and powder (BP 100 Powder).
Both formulations can be used with any type of water, both hard and softened and, if added to the water of the first filling or when the system has been powerflushed, they prevent:
• encrustations
• pitting corrosion
• formation of gaseous hydrogen
• noise inside the boiler
The peculiarity of BP 100 PLUS and BP 100 Powder is that they should never be replaced. However, it is recommended to check the residual concentration at least once a year and to replenish the system with a new product, to keep the protective action high.
BP 100 PLUS: Application and use
1. It is recommended to first powerwash the system, whether it is new, to remove processing residues, or if it is already particularly compromised or partially clogged by sludge or limescale. Use the appropriate products and pumps from the Boiler Performance® range, then thoroughly rinsing the system to remove sludge.
2. Then refill the system with clean and softened water and add the BP 100 PLUS product. To check the correct dosage, use the appropriate “BP 100 PLUS Reagent Kit”. The reagent scale should measure a value of 200 ppm. Leave the product in the system.
BP 100 POWDER: Application and use
- Dissolve the contents of a bottle of BP 100 Powder in 0.5 litres of warm water (about 30°C). The solution thus obtained is suitable for treating 100 litres of system water.
- Insert the solution into the full system via the vent valve of a radiator or the system expansion tank. Alternatively, insert the product using the pump used for powerflushing.
- Activate the system at normal operating temperature. The product does not need to be rinsed and must be left permanently in the system. Check the concentration with the special kit “BP 100 and BP COLD F reagent kit”. For best results, it is recommended to clean the system in advance with the BP 300 Powder product, while if the system has already been in operation for over six months, use the BP 400 Powder.
