The use of Cortec®’s Cooling Loop Croc™ and Cooling Loop Gator® offers effective corrosion protection, which is vital for maintaining the lifespan and efficiency of cooling systems.
Cortec® urges facility managers and water treatment service providers, whether in the northern or southern hemisphere, to give serious thought to the critical need for corrosion protection during the startup or layup of cooling water systems. In the northern hemisphere, spring marks the startup period for cooling water systems supporting comfort cooling or other summer industrial chilling needs. Conversely, in the southern hemisphere, autumn signals the time to consider shutting down cooling loops that will not be required as temperatures drop.
When metal, oxygen, and water combine, it creates the perfect conditions for corrosion. This is an inherent issue in cooling water environments, whether for open evaporative systems or closed loops. Corrosion gradually eats away at metal components, thinning the walls, increasing the potential for leaks, and shortening the system's lifespan. Additionally, corrosion products can cause clogging, and higher iron content can poison the water, impairing the effectiveness of water treatment chemicals. These problems can lead to more downtime and maintenance, as well as higher costs from prematurely repairing or replacing components— which is why corrosion inhibitors should be an integral part of a standard water treatment programme during operation. The greatest risk, however, arises during startup and layup, when the normal operating water treatment programme is no longer active.
Startup is particularly vulnerable for cooling systems because it can take a week or more for the system to return to its normal operating levels of water treatment chemistry. In the interim, the cooling tower faces higher levels of dissolved oxygen as the water is refilled. Cortec’s Cooling Loop Croc™ provides an excellent solution to combat corrosion during this transitional period. Packaged in a water-soluble bag, the Cooling Loop Croc™ dissolves in the cooling tower refill water, releasing a potent package of corrosion inhibitors that protect multiple metal types, including galvanised steel and yellow metals such as copper and brass. A vapour-phase component helps protect inaccessible and recessed surfaces, while an organic dispersant aids in accelerating cleaning by making biofilm more accessible to routine biocide treatments. This combination ensures a smooth restart for the cooling system, without the risk of corrosion surprises.
Conversely, those in the southern hemisphere preparing to shut down their cooling systems should consider the risks of corrosion when the cooling tower is offline and the operating water treatment chemistry is not circulating. Traditionally, the approach has been to shut down the cooling tower and hope for the best, whether the system is drained or remains full. A much safer and more convenient option is to apply corrosion protection specifically designed for layup. The Cooling Loop Gator® is a top choice, requiring only 12-24 hours of circulation to leave behind a corrosion-inhibiting film on the cooling tower internals. This film continues to protect the system during both wet and dry layup conditions. It also includes vapour-phase corrosion inhibitors that safeguard hard-to-reach areas, such as those above the water level in a wet layup.