What is installed in heat exchangers to protect against galvanic corrosion?

What is installed in heat exchangers to protect against galvanic corrosion?

• A. Anodes
• B. Electrodes
• C. Zincs
• D. Magnesium

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is zincs, as they serve a specific purpose in heat exchangers to protect against galvanic corrosion. When two dissimilar metals are in contact with an electrolyte, galvanic corrosion can occur, which may lead to accelerated degradation of the less noble metal. Zinc is often used as a sacrificial anode because it is more anodic compared to the metals commonly found in heat exchangers, such as copper or aluminum. By purposely introducing zinc into the system, it corrodes preferentially, thus protecting the more valuable metal components from corrosion. This sacrificial process essentially diverts the corrosive activity away from the primary metals, prolonging the life of the heat exchanger and maintaining its efficiency. Anodes and magnesium are also types of sacrificial metals used in various corrosion protection systems. However, zinc is typically favored in heat exchange applications due to its effectiveness and availability. Electrodes, on the other hand, are not typically used for corrosion protection but are more associated with electrochemical processes, further distinguishing this from the context of protecting heat exchangers. This highlights why zincs are the ideal choice for safeguarding heat exchangers against galvanic corrosion.

The correct answer is zincs, as they serve a specific purpose in heat exchangers to protect against galvanic corrosion. When two dissimilar metals are in contact with an electrolyte, galvanic corrosion can occur, which may lead to accelerated degradation of the less noble metal.

Zinc is often used as a sacrificial anode because it is more anodic compared to the metals commonly found in heat exchangers, such as copper or aluminum. By purposely introducing zinc into the system, it corrodes preferentially, thus protecting the more valuable metal components from corrosion. This sacrificial process essentially diverts the corrosive activity away from the primary metals, prolonging the life of the heat exchanger and maintaining its efficiency.

Anodes and magnesium are also types of sacrificial metals used in various corrosion protection systems. However, zinc is typically favored in heat exchange applications due to its effectiveness and availability. Electrodes, on the other hand, are not typically used for corrosion protection but are more associated with electrochemical processes, further distinguishing this from the context of protecting heat exchangers.

This highlights why zincs are the ideal choice for safeguarding heat exchangers against galvanic corrosion.