EP0017373B1 - Stable compositions for use as corrosion inhibitors and method of corrosion inhibition in aqueous media - Google Patents

Stable compositions for use as corrosion inhibitors and method of corrosion inhibition in aqueous media Download PDF

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EP0017373B1
EP0017373B1 EP19800300811 EP80300811A EP0017373B1 EP 0017373 B1 EP0017373 B1 EP 0017373B1 EP 19800300811 EP19800300811 EP 19800300811 EP 80300811 A EP80300811 A EP 80300811A EP 0017373 B1 EP0017373 B1 EP 0017373B1
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water
soluble
polymer
zinc
aqueous medium
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EP0017373A1 (en
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Gary Edwin Geiger
Roger Cletus May
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BetzDearborn Europe Inc
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Betz Europe Inc
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    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C23COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
    • C23FNON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
    • C23F11/00Inhibiting corrosion of metallic material by applying inhibitors to the surface in danger of corrosion or adding them to the corrosive agent
    • C23F11/08Inhibiting corrosion of metallic material by applying inhibitors to the surface in danger of corrosion or adding them to the corrosive agent in other liquids

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to zinc-containing corrosion inhibitor treatments and treatment compositions.
  • the ability of zinc to inhibit the corrosion of ferrous metals is, indeed, well known.
  • soluble zinc salts are vital ingredients of many corrosion treatment programs.
  • U.S. 4,089,796 to Harris et al discloses a corrosion inhibiting composition comprising zinc and hydrolyzed polymaleic anhydride or soluble salt thereof and benzotriazole.
  • Other exemplary patents disclosing such zinc containing treatments are U.S. 3,432,428 to Wirth et al and U.S. 4,120,655 to Crambes et al.
  • the zinc could precipitate in other forms, for example, as zinc hydroxide or zinc silicate.
  • the solubility of the various salts depends on such factors as water temperature and pH and ion concentrations. Wirth et al states that although water temperatures can vary from 32° to 200°F (0 to 93,3°C). lower temperatures of 32° to 80°F (0 to 26,7°C) are preferred because "zinc tends to remain in solution better in cooler waters.” This patent further states that alkaline waters, particularly above about pH 7.5, are relatively undesirable because "the dissolved zinc tends to deposit out or drop out much more rapidly in alkaline water".
  • Crambes et al points out that zinc salts are unstable in neutral or alkaline water and will precipitate with phosphates. Thus, if any of these conditions are present, the aqueous medium becomes prone to zinc precipitation. Because of the formation of this zinc scale, many of the surfaces in contact with the aqueous medium will foul and the amount of effective (soluble) corrosion inhibitor present in the aqueous medium can be significantly reduced.
  • DE-A-2643242 (Kutita Water Industries Ltd) is directed to an improved method of inhibiting scale employing polymers containing a structural unit that is derived from a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated bond and which has one or more carboxyl radicals, at least a part of said carboxyl radicals being modified as represented by the general formula:- wherein OA is an oxyalkylene radical having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, X is a hydroxyl radical, an alkoxy radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a monovalent phosphate radical, X' is a bivalent phosphate radical and a is a positive integer.
  • conventional water treating agents are also required, such as polyphosphoric acids, phosphonic acids, orthophosphoric acid, organic phosphoric esters or polyvalent metal salts such as zinc or nickel salts, are also necessary.
  • polymers may be derived from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, cinnomic acid or vinylbenzoic acid, preferably acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid and fumaric acid.
  • the specific polymers illustrated are generally terpolymers composed of optional units such as esters of (meth)acrylic acid such as methyl(meth)acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate, butyl(meth)acrylate, diethylamino ethyl(meth)acrylate etc; styrene compounds such as styrene, methyl styrene, etc; fatty acid esters of vinyl alcohols, etc; etc.
  • esters of (meth)acrylic acid such as methyl(meth)acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate, butyl(meth)acrylate, diethylamino ethyl(meth)acrylate etc
  • styrene compounds such as styrene, methyl styrene, etc
  • fatty acid esters of vinyl alcohols, etc etc.
  • DE-A-2643242 illustrate the use of six terpolymers in conjunction either with one of the aforementioned phosphorus compounds or with both such a phosphorus compound and a zinc salt. These specifically exemplified terpolymers have been found not to be efficacious in retaining a corrosion-inhibiting amount of zinc in soluble form in an aqueous system.
  • the present invention is considered to have general applicability to any aqueous system where zinc precipitation is a problem, it is particularly useful in cooling water systems. Accordingly, the invention will hereinafter be described as it relates to cooling water systems.
  • a corrosion inhibitor treatment for metal surfaces exposed to an aqueous medium comprises (i) water-soluble zinc compound and (ii) a particular type of water-soluble polymer comprising moieties derived from an acrylic acid compound and moieties of hydroxylated lower alkyl acrylate (HAA).
  • the treatment could additionally comprise (iii) water-soluble orthophosphate and (iv) water-soluble chromate. It was discovered that, although the polymer demonstrated no significant activity alone as a corrosion inhibitor, when it was combined with a zinc-containing treatment the various ionic constituents of the treatment were unexpectedly retained in their soluble form and a corresponding increase in corrosion inhibiting activity was observed.
  • the present invention is accordingly also considered to be related to a method for inhibiting the formation of zinc scale in an aqueous medium.
  • AA acrylic acid compound
  • M is a water-soluble cation, e.g., NH 4 , alkali metal (
  • the polymers are considered, most broadly, to have a mole ratio of AA:HAA of from 1:4 to 36:1. This mole ratio is preferably 1:1 to 11:1, and most preferably 1:1 to 5:1.
  • the only criteria that is considered to be of importance with respect to mole ratios is that it is desirable to have a copolymer which is water-soluble. As the proportion of hydroxylated alkyl acrylate moieties increases, the solubility of the copolymer decreases. It is noted that, from an efficacy point of view, the polymers having a mole ratio of AA:HAA of 1:1 to 5:1 were considered the best.
  • the polymers could have a molecular weight of from 1,000 to 50,000 with from 2,000 to 6,000 being preferred.
  • the polymers utilized in accordance with the invention can be prepared by vinyl addition polymerization or by treatment of an acrylic acid or salt polymer. More specifically, acrylic acid or derivatives thereof or their water soluble salts, e.g., sodium, potassium, ammonium, etc. can be copclymerized with the hydroxy alkyl acrylate under standard copolymerization conditions utilizing free radical initiators such as benzoyl peroxide, azobisisobutyronitrile or redox initiators such as ferrous sulfate and ammonium persulfate. The molecular weights of the resulting copolymer can be controlled utilizing standard chain control agents such as secondary alcohols (isopropanol), mercaptans, halocarbons, etc. Copolymers falling within the scope of the invention are commercially available from, for example, National Starch Company.
  • the hydroxy alkyl acrylate can be prepared by the addition reaction between the acrylic acid or its derivatives or water soluble salts and the oxide of the alkyl derivative desired.
  • the preferred monomer of the present invention is the propyl derivative. Accordingly, to obtain the hydroxylated monomer, acrylic acid is reacted with propylene oxide to provide the hydroxypropyl acrylate monomer.
  • the polymers of the invention may also be prepared by reacting a polyacrylic acid or derivatives thereof with an appropriate amount of an alkylene oxide having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and the like. The reaction takes place at the COOH or COM group of the moieties to provide the hydroxylated alkyl acrylate moiety.
  • the polymer prepared either by copolymerization of AA with hydroxy propyl acrylate (HPA) or reaction of AA with propylene oxide would be composed of units or moieties having the structural formulas: where M is as earlier defined.
  • Illustrative water-soluble zinc compounds which are considered to be suitable for use in accordance with the present invention are zinc oxide, zinc acetate, zinc chloride, zinc formate, zinc nitrate, zinc sulphate, zinc borate, zinc chromate, zinc dichromate, etc.
  • the treatment could further comprise orthophosphate.
  • orthophosphate could be provided as an actual addition product, e.g., sodium orthophosphate, or as a precursor compound such as complex inorganic phosphates, organic phosphates or organic phosphonates which revert to orthophosphate in the water.
  • orthophosphate as an actual addition are monosodium phosphate, and monopotassium phosphate. Any other water-soluble orthophosphate or phosphoric acid would also be considered to be suitable.
  • the complex inorganic phosphates are exemplified by sodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium tetraphosphate, sodium septaphosphate, sodium decaphosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate.
  • Either the corresponding potassium or ammonium salts or the corresponding molecularly dehydrated phosphoric acids such as metaphosphoric acid or pyrophosphoric acid are considered to be suitable.
  • the organic phosphonates are exemplified by aminotrimethylene phosphonic acid, hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid and the water-soluble salts thereof.
  • the amount of each constituent added to the cooling water will, of course, be an effective amount for the purpose and will depend on such factors as the nature and severity of the corrosion problem being treated, the temperature and pH of the cooling water and the type and amount of precipitation- prone ions present in the water.
  • active zinc ion As little as 0.5 parts of zinc per million parts (ppm) of cooling water are believed to be effective in certain instances, with 2 ppm being preferred. Based on economic considerations, the amount of zinc ion added could be as high as 25 ppm, with 10 ppm representing the preferred maximum.
  • active polymer As little as 0.5 ppm polymer is considered to be effective, while 2 ppm is the preferred minimum. Based on economic considerations, the polymer could be fed in amounts as high as 200 ppm, with 50 ppm representing the preferred maximum.
  • the orthophosphate or precursor compound thereof could be fed in an amount as low as 1 ppm, with 2 ppm representing the preferred minimum. Based on economic considerations, the maximum amount is considered to be 200 ppm. However, 50 ppm is considered to be the preferred maximum.
  • compositions according to the present invention could comprise on a weight basis:
  • compositions according to the present invention could comprise on a weight basis:
  • the preferred relative proportions are 5 to 85% zinc compound, 15 to 95% polymer and 5 to 85% orthophosphate.
  • the most preferred relative proportions are 10 to 60% zinc compound, 15 to 80% polymer and 10 to 60% orthophosphate.
  • the cooling water preferably will have a pH of 6.5 to 9.5. Since zinc precipitation problems most commonly occur at pH's above about 7.5, the most preferred pH range is from 7.5 to 9.5.
  • test water contained both zinc and orthophosphate ions, and the test procedures were the same as in Example 2 but for a few different steps as follows:
  • Tables 7-13 The results of these tests are reported below in Tables 7-13 in terms of ppm soluble zinc retained in solution. For purposes of comparison with untreated test solution, Table 7 should be compared with the results of Table 1 and Tables 8-13 should be compared with the results of Table 2.
  • Figure 1 are presented a series of graphs which contain comparisons of Table 7 with Table 1 in terms of soluble zinc remaining in solution after 24 hours vs. pH of the test water.
  • the lowermost graph represents a no treatment test wherein the zinc readily precipitates.
  • the higher graphs represent various test solutions to which have been added the noted AA/HPA polymers. The polymers were all considered to be efficacious in retaining soluble zinc in solution.
  • FIGS. 2-7 provide visual comparisons of respective ones of Tables 8-13 with Table 2.
  • Figure 2 compares Table 8
  • Figure 3 compares Table 9
  • Figure 4 compares Table 10
  • Figure 5 compares Table 11
  • Figure 6 compares Table 12
  • Figure 7 compares Table 13, all with Table 2 in terms of plots of soluble zinc remaining in solution after 24 hours vs. pH at various indicated treatment levels.
  • the line marked "No Treatment" in each figure represents the results of Table 2.
  • Corrosion rate measurement was determined by weight loss measurement. Prior to immersion, coupons were scrubbed with a mixture of trisodium phosphate-pumice, rinsed with water, rinsed with isopropyl alcohol and then air dried. Weight measurement to the nearest milligram was made. At the end of one day, a weighed coupon was removed and cleaned. Cleaning consisted of immersion into a 50% solution of HCI for approximately 20 seconds, rinsing with tap water, scrubbing with a mixture of trisodium-pumice until clean, then rinsing with tap water and isopropyl alcohol. When dry, a second weight measurement to the nearest milligram was made. At the termination of the tests, the remaining coupon was removed, cleaned and weighed.
  • the cooling water was prepared by first preparing the following stock solutions: Then, these solutions were combined using the following order of addition:
  • compositions made in accordance with the present invention are presented in Table 15 in terms of relative proportions (in weight percent) of the various constituents.
  • the water-soluble zinc compound was ZnSO 4 H 2 O and the orthophosphate was Na 3 PO 4 ⁇ 12H 2 O. Since calculations were rounded-off to two places, not all compositions added up to 100%. Stability is defined in terms of soluble constituents in solution after 24 hours at 12 ⁇ °F.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
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Description

  • The present invention is related to zinc-containing corrosion inhibitor treatments and treatment compositions. The ability of zinc to inhibit the corrosion of ferrous metals is, indeed, well known. Accordingly, soluble zinc salts are vital ingredients of many corrosion treatment programs. For example, U.S. 4,089,796 to Harris et al discloses a corrosion inhibiting composition comprising zinc and hydrolyzed polymaleic anhydride or soluble salt thereof and benzotriazole. Other exemplary patents disclosing such zinc containing treatments are U.S. 3,432,428 to Wirth et al and U.S. 4,120,655 to Crambes et al.
  • An art-recognized major problem encountered with zinc-containing treatments, particularly in cooling water, is the uncontrolled precipitation of zinc salts; because, to be effective, the zinc must reach the surfaces to be protected in a soluble form. For example, the use of orthophosphate in combination with zinc as a cooling water treatment is well known as evidenced by U.S. 2,900,222 to Kahler et al wherein phosphate, chromate and zinc are used in combination. The orthophosphate can be provided as an actual addition, or as a reversion product from any one of complex inorganic phosphate, organic phosphate or organic phosphonate. When orthophosphate and zinc are both present in the water, zinc phosphate precipitation becomes a concern. Whether or not orthophosphate is present, the zinc could precipitate in other forms, for example, as zinc hydroxide or zinc silicate. The solubility of the various salts, that is, the retention of the respective salt constituents in ionic form, depends on such factors as water temperature and pH and ion concentrations. Wirth et al states that although water temperatures can vary from 32° to 200°F (0 to 93,3°C). lower temperatures of 32° to 80°F (0 to 26,7°C) are preferred because "zinc tends to remain in solution better in cooler waters." This patent further states that alkaline waters, particularly above about pH 7.5, are relatively undesirable because "the dissolved zinc tends to deposit out or drop out much more rapidly in alkaline water". Similarly, Crambes et al points out that zinc salts are unstable in neutral or alkaline water and will precipitate with phosphates. Thus, if any of these conditions are present, the aqueous medium becomes prone to zinc precipitation. Because of the formation of this zinc scale, many of the surfaces in contact with the aqueous medium will foul and the amount of effective (soluble) corrosion inhibitor present in the aqueous medium can be significantly reduced.
  • DE-A-2643242 (Kutita Water Industries Ltd) is directed to an improved method of inhibiting scale employing polymers containing a structural unit that is derived from a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated bond and which has one or more carboxyl radicals, at least a part of said carboxyl radicals being modified as represented by the general formula:-
    Figure imgb0001
    Figure imgb0002
    wherein OA is an oxyalkylene radical having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, X is a hydroxyl radical, an alkoxy radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a monovalent phosphate radical, X' is a bivalent phosphate radical and a is a positive integer. When corrosion resistance is also required, conventional water treating agents are also required, such as polyphosphoric acids, phosphonic acids, orthophosphoric acid, organic phosphoric esters or polyvalent metal salts such as zinc or nickel salts, are also necessary.
  • A very wide range of polymers is included within the scope of DE-A-2643242. Thus the polymer may be derived from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, cinnomic acid or vinylbenzoic acid, preferably acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid and fumaric acid. The specific polymers illustrated are generally terpolymers composed of optional units such as esters of (meth)acrylic acid such as methyl(meth)acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate, butyl(meth)acrylate, diethylamino ethyl(meth)acrylate etc; styrene compounds such as styrene, methyl styrene, etc; fatty acid esters of vinyl alcohols, etc; etc.
  • The specific examples of DE-A-2643242 illustrate the use of six terpolymers in conjunction either with one of the aforementioned phosphorus compounds or with both such a phosphorus compound and a zinc salt. These specifically exemplified terpolymers have been found not to be efficacious in retaining a corrosion-inhibiting amount of zinc in soluble form in an aqueous system.
  • There has existed for a long time the need for a zinc-containing corrosion inhibitor treatment which overcomes the above-noted problems, and the present invention is considered to fulfill that need.
  • Although the present invention is considered to have general applicability to any aqueous system where zinc precipitation is a problem, it is particularly useful in cooling water systems. Accordingly, the invention will hereinafter be described as it relates to cooling water systems.
  • According to the present invention, a corrosion inhibitor treatment for metal surfaces exposed to an aqueous medium comprises (i) water-soluble zinc compound and (ii) a particular type of water-soluble polymer comprising moieties derived from an acrylic acid compound and moieties of hydroxylated lower alkyl acrylate (HAA). The treatment could additionally comprise (iii) water-soluble orthophosphate and (iv) water-soluble chromate. It was discovered that, although the polymer demonstrated no significant activity alone as a corrosion inhibitor, when it was combined with a zinc-containing treatment the various ionic constituents of the treatment were unexpectedly retained in their soluble form and a corresponding increase in corrosion inhibiting activity was observed. The present invention is accordingly also considered to be related to a method for inhibiting the formation of zinc scale in an aqueous medium.
  • The polymers according to the present invention are those effective for the purpose which comprise moieties derived from an acrylic acid compound (AA), i.e.,
    Figure imgb0003
    where R is hydrogen or a lower alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and R,=OH, NHz or OM, where M is a water-soluble cation, e.g., NH4, alkali metal (K, Na), etc; and moieties of an hydroxylated lower alkyl (C2―C6) acrylate (HAA) as represented, for example, by the formula:
    Figure imgb0004
    where R3 is H or lower alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and Rz is a lower alkylene having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms.
  • In terms of mole ratios, the polymers are considered, most broadly, to have a mole ratio of AA:HAA of from 1:4 to 36:1. This mole ratio is preferably 1:1 to 11:1, and most preferably 1:1 to 5:1. The only criteria that is considered to be of importance with respect to mole ratios is that it is desirable to have a copolymer which is water-soluble. As the proportion of hydroxylated alkyl acrylate moieties increases, the solubility of the copolymer decreases. It is noted that, from an efficacy point of view, the polymers having a mole ratio of AA:HAA of 1:1 to 5:1 were considered the best.
  • The polymers could have a molecular weight of from 1,000 to 50,000 with from 2,000 to 6,000 being preferred.
  • The polymers utilized in accordance with the invention can be prepared by vinyl addition polymerization or by treatment of an acrylic acid or salt polymer. More specifically, acrylic acid or derivatives thereof or their water soluble salts, e.g., sodium, potassium, ammonium, etc. can be copclymerized with the hydroxy alkyl acrylate under standard copolymerization conditions utilizing free radical initiators such as benzoyl peroxide, azobisisobutyronitrile or redox initiators such as ferrous sulfate and ammonium persulfate. The molecular weights of the resulting copolymer can be controlled utilizing standard chain control agents such as secondary alcohols (isopropanol), mercaptans, halocarbons, etc. Copolymers falling within the scope of the invention are commercially available from, for example, National Starch Company.
  • The hydroxy alkyl acrylate can be prepared by the addition reaction between the acrylic acid or its derivatives or water soluble salts and the oxide of the alkyl derivative desired. For example, the preferred monomer of the present invention is the propyl derivative. Accordingly, to obtain the hydroxylated monomer, acrylic acid is reacted with propylene oxide to provide the hydroxypropyl acrylate monomer.
  • The polymers of the invention may also be prepared by reacting a polyacrylic acid or derivatives thereof with an appropriate amount of an alkylene oxide having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and the like. The reaction takes place at the COOH or COM group of the moieties to provide the hydroxylated alkyl acrylate moiety.
  • The polymer prepared either by copolymerization of AA with hydroxy propyl acrylate (HPA) or reaction of AA with propylene oxide would be composed of units or moieties having the structural formulas:
    Figure imgb0005
    where M is as earlier defined.
  • Illustrative water-soluble zinc compounds which are considered to be suitable for use in accordance with the present invention are zinc oxide, zinc acetate, zinc chloride, zinc formate, zinc nitrate, zinc sulphate, zinc borate, zinc chromate, zinc dichromate, etc.
  • As already noted above, the treatment could further comprise orthophosphate. Indeed, the use of zinc and orthophosphate together as a corrosion inhibition treatment is well known. It has also already been noted that the orthophosphate could be provided as an actual addition product, e.g., sodium orthophosphate, or as a precursor compound such as complex inorganic phosphates, organic phosphates or organic phosphonates which revert to orthophosphate in the water.
  • Illustrative examples of orthophosphate as an actual addition are monosodium phosphate, and monopotassium phosphate. Any other water-soluble orthophosphate or phosphoric acid would also be considered to be suitable.
  • The complex inorganic phosphates are exemplified by sodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium tetraphosphate, sodium septaphosphate, sodium decaphosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate. Either the corresponding potassium or ammonium salts or the corresponding molecularly dehydrated phosphoric acids such as metaphosphoric acid or pyrophosphoric acid are considered to be suitable.
  • The organic phosphonates are exemplified by aminotrimethylene phosphonic acid, hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid and the water-soluble salts thereof.
  • Organic phosphates are exemplified in U.S. 3,510,436.
  • The amount of each constituent added to the cooling water will, of course, be an effective amount for the purpose and will depend on such factors as the nature and severity of the corrosion problem being treated, the temperature and pH of the cooling water and the type and amount of precipitation- prone ions present in the water.
  • In terms of active zinc ion, as little as 0.5 parts of zinc per million parts (ppm) of cooling water are believed to be effective in certain instances, with 2 ppm being preferred. Based on economic considerations, the amount of zinc ion added could be as high as 25 ppm, with 10 ppm representing the preferred maximum.
  • In terms of active polymer, as little as 0.5 ppm polymer is considered to be effective, while 2 ppm is the preferred minimum. Based on economic considerations, the polymer could be fed in amounts as high as 200 ppm, with 50 ppm representing the preferred maximum.
  • In terms of active product added, the orthophosphate or precursor compound thereof could be fed in an amount as low as 1 ppm, with 2 ppm representing the preferred minimum. Based on economic considerations, the maximum amount is considered to be 200 ppm. However, 50 ppm is considered to be the preferred maximum.
  • Methods for feeding corrosion inhibitors to cooling water are well known in the art such that details thereof are not considered necessary. However, due to rather severe stability problems experienced when the polymer was stored at high concentrations with the remaining components, a two or three-barrel treatment is recommended.
  • Compositions according to the present invention could comprise on a weight basis:
    • (i) 1 to 95% of water-soluble zinc compound, and
    • (ii) 5 to 99% AA/HAA polymer of the total amount of zinc compound and polymer. The preferred relative proportions are 4 to 85% water-soluble zinc compound and 15 to 96% polymer; while it is most preferred that the compositions comprise 5 to 70% zinc compound and 30 to 95% polymer.
  • In those instances where orthophosphate is also present, compositions according to the present invention could comprise on a weight basis:
    • (i) 1 to 95% water-soluble zinc compound
    • (ii) 5 to 99% AA/HAA polymer, and
    • (iii) 1 to 95% orthophosphate (or precursor thereof) of the total amount of zinc compound, polymer and orthophosphate.
  • The preferred relative proportions are 5 to 85% zinc compound, 15 to 95% polymer and 5 to 85% orthophosphate. The most preferred relative proportions are 10 to 60% zinc compound, 15 to 80% polymer and 10 to 60% orthophosphate.
  • The cooling water preferably will have a pH of 6.5 to 9.5. Since zinc precipitation problems most commonly occur at pH's above about 7.5, the most preferred pH range is from 7.5 to 9.5.
  • Examples Illustration of zinc precipitation problem Example 1
  • As noted above, an art-recognized major problem encountered with zinc-containing treatments, particularly in cooling water, is the uncontrolled precipitation of zinc salts from the water. Even in the absence of orthophosphate in the water, the zinc can form precipitates such as zinc hydroxide.
  • This point is illustrated by the zinc-solubility results of several tests conducted in water containing no orthophosphate. The tests were conducted, inter alia, to determine the solubility of zinc in the test water as a function of pH.
  • The following aqueous test solutions were first prepared:
    Figure imgb0006
  • The tests were conducted using the following procedure:
    • 1. Prepare SCW7 (detailed in Example 5 below) and adjust its pH to 4 with concentrated HCI.
    • 2. To 2,000 ml of the above solution, add the required amount of Solution A with stirring.
    • 3. Add 100 ml of the solution from step 2 to a bottle and agitate.
    • 4. Slowly adjust the pH to the desired value with dilute NaOH solution and record pH.
    • 5. Place the samples in an oven at the required temperature for 24 hours, after which time, filter through a 0.2 micron millipore filter.
    • 6. Analyze the filtrate for soluble zinc and record final pH.
  • The results of these tests are reported below in Tables 1 and 2 in terms of soluble zinc (ppm) remaining after 24 hours at various final pH values.
    Figure imgb0007
    Figure imgb0008
  • Example 2
  • The problem of zinc precipitation in cooling water is further illustrated by the zinc-solubility results of additional tests similar to those in Example 1, but conducted in water containing both zinc ions and orthophosphate ions.
  • The following aqueous test solutions were first prepared:
    Figure imgb0009
  • The following procedure was used:
    • 1. Prepare SCW7 and adjust its pH to 4 with HCI solution.
    • 2. To 2,000 ml of the above solution, add the appropriate amount of Solution A, followed by the appropriate amount of Solution B with agitation.
    • 3. Add 100 ml of the solution from step 2 to a bottle and adjust the pH to 7.5 with dilute NaOH with agitation.
    • 4. Place the samples in an oven for 24 hours at the appropriate temperature.
    • 5. After the 24 hour period, filter the solution through a 0.2 micron millipore filter.
    • 6. Analyze the filtrate for Zn+2 and PO4 -3.
  • The results of these tests are reported below in Tables 3 and 4 in terms of ppm soluble zinc and ppm soluble phosphate remaining after 24 hours at various final pH values.
    Figure imgb0010
    Figure imgb0011
  • Efficacy in retaining soluble zinc-containing treatments Example 3
  • A series of tests were conducted to determine the efficacy of various materials in retaining zinc-containing corrosion inhibition treatments in a soluble form. After all, the corrosion inhibition efficacy of such treatments will, for the most part, depend on the constituents remaining soluble.
  • The test water contained both zinc and orthophosphate ions, and the test procedures were the same as in Example 2 but for a few different steps as follows:
    • 1. Solution C comprising 1,000 ppm of active treatment was also used.
    • 3. Add 100 ml of solution from step 2 to a bottle, add the appropriate quantity of treatment solution (1 ml=10 ppm), and adjust pH to appropriate value with dilute NaOH with agitation.
  • The results of the tests were calculated in terms of % increase in retention of soluble zinc ions and soluble phosphate ions vs. an untreated solution using the following equation:
    Figure imgb0012
    where Sol. PO4=soluble PO4 in ppm. Of course, a similar equation was used for zinc calculations.
  • The results of these tests are reported below in Tables 5 and 6. In addition to testing various AA/HPA copolymers in accordance with the present invention, various commercial polyacrylic acids (PAA) were also tested.
    Figure imgb0013
    Figure imgb0014
    Figure imgb0015
  • Example 4
  • A further series of tests were conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of various AA/HPA polymers in retaining soluble zinc in an aqueous medium. The tests were the same as those of Example 3 except for the absence of orthophosphate from the test solutions.
  • The results of these tests are reported below in Tables 7-13 in terms of ppm soluble zinc retained in solution. For purposes of comparison with untreated test solution, Table 7 should be compared with the results of Table 1 and Tables 8-13 should be compared with the results of Table 2.
  • Visual comparisons of Table 7 with Table 1 and Tables 8-13 with Table 2 are provided in the accompanying drawing.
  • In Figure 1 are presented a series of graphs which contain comparisons of Table 7 with Table 1 in terms of soluble zinc remaining in solution after 24 hours vs. pH of the test water. As can be seen from the figure, the lowermost graph represents a no treatment test wherein the zinc readily precipitates. In comparison, the higher graphs represent various test solutions to which have been added the noted AA/HPA polymers. The polymers were all considered to be efficacious in retaining soluble zinc in solution.
  • Remaining Figures 2-7 provide visual comparisons of respective ones of Tables 8-13 with Table 2. Figure 2 compares Table 8, Figure 3 compares Table 9, Figure 4 compares Table 10, Figure 5 compares Table 11, Figure 6 compares Table 12, and Figure 7 compares Table 13, all with Table 2 in terms of plots of soluble zinc remaining in solution after 24 hours vs. pH at various indicated treatment levels. The line marked "No Treatment" in each figure represents the results of Table 2.
    Figure imgb0016
    Figure imgb0017
    Figure imgb0018
    Figure imgb0019
    Figure imgb0020
    Figure imgb0021
    Figure imgb0022
    Figure imgb0023
  • Efficacy as corrosion inhibitor Example 5
  • Having already demonstrated both the zinc precipitation problem related to zinc-containing corrosion inhibitor treatments in aqueous mediums and the resolution of this problem by combining the treatment with AA/HAA polymer, the following test results are presented to demonstrate, from a corrosion inhibition point of view, the benefits of the combined treatments.
  • The tests were each conducted with two non-pretreated low carbon steel coupons which were immersed and rotated in aerated synthetic cooling water for a 3 or 4 day period. The water was adjusted to the desired pH and readjusted after one day if necessary; no further adjustments were made. Water temperature was 120°F (48,9°C). Rotational speed was maintained to give a water velocity of 1.3 feet per second (0.396 ms-1) past the coupons. The total volume of water was 17 liters. Cooling water was manufactured to give the following conditions:
    Figure imgb0024
  • Corrosion rate measurement was determined by weight loss measurement. Prior to immersion, coupons were scrubbed with a mixture of trisodium phosphate-pumice, rinsed with water, rinsed with isopropyl alcohol and then air dried. Weight measurement to the nearest milligram was made. At the end of one day, a weighed coupon was removed and cleaned. Cleaning consisted of immersion into a 50% solution of HCI for approximately 20 seconds, rinsing with tap water, scrubbing with a mixture of trisodium-pumice until clean, then rinsing with tap water and isopropyl alcohol. When dry, a second weight measurement to the nearest milligram was made. At the termination of the tests, the remaining coupon was removed, cleaned and weighed.
  • Corrosion rates were computed by differential weight loss according to the following equation:
    Figure imgb0025
  • where N=3 or 4.
  • The cooling water was prepared by first preparing the following stock solutions:
    Figure imgb0026
    Then, these solutions were combined using the following order of addition:
    • 1. To 17 I of de-ionized water add, with stirring, (a) 20 ml of Solution A, (b) 20 ml of Solution B and (c) 20 ml of Solution C.
    • 2. Adjust pH to 6.
    • 3. With stirring add treatment (except Zn+2).
    • 4. Add o-P04 Solution (if used).
    • 5. Adjust pH to 7.0 if necessary.
    • 6. Add Zn+2 Solution (if used).
    • 7. (a) for SCW, adjust pH to 7.0.
      • (b) For SCWs add 20 ml of Solution D and adjust pH to 8.0.
  • The results of these tests are reported below in Table 14 in terms of corrosion rates in mils per year (mpy).
    Figure imgb0027
  • While the comparative test results were not so pronounced at pH=7, the comparative results at pH=8 were considered to be rather dramatic. Even though the AA/HPA polymer alone demonstrated little, if any, efficacy as a corrosion inhibitor, when combined with the zinc-containing treatments, the combined treatments demonstrated significantly enhanced results as corrosion inhibitors. For example, at pH=8, the corrosion inhibition efficacy of 30 ppm active polymer alone (86 mpy) and 10 ppm Zn+2 alone (84 mpy) appeared to be non-existent as compared to the untreated system (82 mpy); however, when only 5 ppm polymer were combined with only 5 ppm Zn+2, the corrosion rate decreased to 13.6 mpy.
  • Illustrative examples of stable aqueous compositions made in accordance with the present invention are presented in Table 15 in terms of relative proportions (in weight percent) of the various constituents. In these compositions, the water-soluble zinc compound was ZnSO4 H2O and the orthophosphate was Na3PO4 · 12H2O. Since calculations were rounded-off to two places, not all compositions added up to 100%. Stability is defined in terms of soluble constituents in solution after 24 hours at 12µ°F.
    Figure imgb0028
    Figure imgb0029

Claims (24)

1. A composition comprising an aqueous solution of a water-soluble zinc compound, characterised in that the solution also contains as a stabilizer a water-soluble polymer comprising moieties derived from an acrylic acid compound and moieties of hydroxylated lower alkyl acrylate, wherein the moieties of said polymer have the following formulas:
Figure imgb0030
where R is hydrogen or a lower alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R, is OH, NHz or OM where M is a water-soluble cation; R2 is a lower alkylene of 2 to 6 carbon atoms, R3 is H or lower alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and the mole ratio of x:y is 1:4 to 36:1, and further characterised in that on a weight basis said zinc compound comprises 1 to 95% and said polymer comprises 5 to 99% of the total amount of water-soluble zinc compound and water-soluble polymer.
2. A composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that on a weight basis said zinc compound comprises 4 to 85% and said polymer comprises 15 to 96% of the total amount of water-soluble zinc compound and water-soluble polymer.
3. A composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that on a weight basis said zinc compound comprises 5 to 70% and said polymer comprises 30 to 95% of the total amount of water soluble zinc compound and water-soluble polymer.
4. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said polymer has a molecular weight of 1,000 to 50,000.
5. A composition as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that said polymer has a molecular weight of 2,000 to 6,000.
6. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the pH of said aqueous solution is 6.5 to 9.5
7. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the mole ratio of x:y is 1:1 to 11:1.
8. A composition as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the mole ratio x:y is 1:1 to 5:1.
9. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the polymer is a copolymer of acrylic acid or water soluble salt thereof and hydroxy propyl acrylate.
10. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it also contains a water-soluble orthophosphate or a precursor thereof.
11. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that it additionally comprises water-soluble chromate.
12. A composition as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that on a weight basis, said zinc compound comprises 1 to 95%, said orthophosphate comprises 1 to 95% and said polymer comprises 5 to 99% of the total amount of water-soluble zinc compound, water-soluble orthophosphate or precursor and water-soluble polymer.
13. A composition as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that said zinc compound comprises 5 to 85%, said orthophosphate comprises 5 to 85% and said polymer comprises 15 to 95% of the total amount of water-soluble zinc compound, water-soluble orthophosphate or precursor and water-soluble polymer.
14. A method for reducing the amount of corrosion of metal surfaces in contact with an aqueous medium prone to zinc precipitation characterised by adding to said aqueous medium in addition to a water-soluble zinc compound an effective amount of a water-soluble polymer as defined in any one of claims 1, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, wherein said zinc compound is added in an amount sufficient to provide from 0.5 to 25 parts of zinc ion per million parts of aqueous medium, and wherein said polymer is added in an amount of from 0.5 to 200 parts of polymer per million parts of aqueous medium.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that said zinc compound is added in an amount sufficient to provide from 2 to 10 parts of zinc ion per million parts of aqueous medium, and said polymer is added in an amount of from 2 to 50 parts of polymer per million parts of aqueous medium.
16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 15, characterised in that said aqueous medium is cooling water.
17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that said aqueous medium has a pH of from 6.5 to 9.5.
18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, characterised in that water-soluble orthophosphate, or a precursor thereof, is also added to said aqueous medium in an amount of from 1 to 200 parts per million.
19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, characterised in that the aqueous medium additionally comprises water soluble chromate.
20. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein said orthophosphate or precursor thereof is added in an amount of from 2 to 50 parts per million.
21. A method of inhibiting the formation of zinc scale in an aqueous medium containing zinc ions under scale forming conditions, which method is characterised by adding to said aqueous medium an effective amount for the purpose, of effective water-soluble polymer as defined in any one of claims 1, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, and wherein said polymer is added in an amount of from 0.5 to 200 parts per million parts of aqueous medium.
22. A method as claimed in claim 21, characterised in that said aqueous medium is cooling water.
23. A method as claimed in claim 22, characterised in that said aqueous medium contains phosphate ions which have been added as a treatment.
24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, characterised in that said zinc scale comprises at least one member selected from zinc hydroxide and zinc phosphate.
EP19800300811 1979-04-05 1980-03-18 Stable compositions for use as corrosion inhibitors and method of corrosion inhibition in aqueous media Expired EP0017373B1 (en)

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US8765656B2 (en) 2006-08-02 2014-07-01 Ch2O Incorporated Disinfecting/mineral treating composition and methods comprising a chlorite or chlorate salt

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US4303568A (en) * 1979-12-10 1981-12-01 Betz Laboratories, Inc. Corrosion inhibition treatments and method
US5453416A (en) * 1986-07-30 1995-09-26 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Composition and method for controlling phosphonates tending to precipitate metal ions in water
US4836933A (en) * 1987-01-16 1989-06-06 National Starch And Chemical Corporation Water treatment polymer
US6054266A (en) * 1987-12-21 2000-04-25 Applied Biosystems, Inc. Nucleic acid detection with separation
US6350410B1 (en) * 1995-04-13 2002-02-26 Ch20 Incorporated Method and composition for inhibiting biological fouling in an irrigation system

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