Corrosion Inhibitor

Corrosion Inhibitor is used in the water in Hot Water ("Hydronic") Central Heating systems to protect ferrous components of the system (including steel radiators and cast-iron boiler heat exchangers) from corrosion caused by the action of oxygen dissolved in the water.

Corrosion inhibitors vary in price from about £5 to £15 (for a quantity intended to protect an average domestic installation). The chemistry of corrosion and corrosion-inhibition is, presumably, well known, so one would expect the various different makes of inhibitor to be pretty much equally effective. Unfortunately simple experiment suggests otherwise.

Corrosion Inhibitor test

Test method

1. Four bottles were filled each with a similar quantity of water and similar number of (already slightly rusty) nails.
2. Inhibitor was added to each of the bottles in the concentrations recommended by their manufacturers.
3. The inhibitors used were:
   • Fernox MB-1
   • Sentinel X100
   • Purimachos Protex
   • none (control)
4. The bottles were then placed together in a warm place (the back of an airing cupboard)
5. Six months later the bottles were examined

Before

After

Fernox
Protex
Sentinel
none

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External links

uk.d-i-y thread including discussion of composition of corrosion inhibitors