Scale and corrosion inhibitors work through the following principles:
Coordination effect: The chemical components in scale and corrosion inhibitors can interact with dissolved substances on the metal surface, forming stable complexes on the metal surface. These complexes can inhibit the crystallization and deposition of scale deposits such as calcium carbonate and iron oxide, thereby reducing the formation of scale layers.
Corrosion inhibition effect: The chemical components in the scale and corrosion inhibitor can react with the metal surface to form a protective corrosion inhibitor film. This layer of film can reduce the contact between metals and corrosive media in the environment, preventing further oxidation and corrosion reactions of metals. Some scale and corrosion inhibitors can form an adsorption layer or passive layer, which serves to isolate metals from the external environment.
PH regulation: Scale and corrosion inhibitors can adjust the pH value of water or liquid systems to maintain it within an appropriate range. By adjusting the pH value, the solubility and activity of various dissolved substances in water can be changed, thereby controlling the formation of scale layers and metal corrosion reactions.
Dispersion effect: Scale and corrosion inhibitors can form dispersions in liquids, keeping dissolved substances in a suspended state. These dispersions can prevent particle aggregation and sedimentation of scale deposits, maintaining the cleanliness and good condition of water or liquid systems.
Cleaning agent function: Some scale and corrosion inhibitors also have the ability to clean metal surfaces, removing existing scale deposits, oxide layers, or other pollutants. The cleaning effect helps to restore the activity of metal surfaces and provides better scale and corrosion inhibition effects.
It should be noted that different scale and corrosion inhibitors may use different principles or a combination of multiple principles to exert their effects. Choosing appropriate scale and corrosion inhibitors should consider specific application scenarios, water quality conditions, and metal materials, and follow relevant usage guidelines and safety precautions.