Corrosion inhibitors for industrial water circuits - individually tailored to the medium, material and application

The selection of the right corrosion inhibitor depends on various factors: Water quality (hardness, conductivity, pH value, oxygen content), material combination (steel, copper, aluminium, galvanized components), temperature range, system type (open/closed), as well as regulatory requirements (e.g. VDI 2035, DGRL, 42nd BImSchV).

Our experts analyze these parameters in combination with your operating mode (circulation time, make-up quantity, pressure ratios) and recommend the appropriate ALMA AQUA formulation. Alternatively, a laboratory analysis can also be commissioned using our in-house analytics. Tried and tested combination products are available for standard applications, while we develop individual additive concepts for complex cases - with monitoring and dosing control on request.

Yes, our corrosion inhibitors are formulated to be compatible with all common materials in water-bearing systems - including stainless steel, copper, aluminium, galvanized steel, brass and common plastics. The choice of inhibitor is particularly critical for sensitive materials such as aluminum or zinc alloys, as these metals can be attacked even under slightly acidic or strongly alkaline conditions.

We offer special pH-neutral or pH-supported formulations that are compatible with mixed installations. For systems with mixed materials (e.g. copper-steel combinations), formulations containing azoles are also used to prevent galvanic effects. In special cases, we test the material compatibility directly in the laboratory or recommend suitable protective measures.

Our corrosion inhibitors are designed for long-term use under real operating conditions. The duration of action depends on various factors: e.g. water turnover, oxygen input, make-up quantity, temperature, carry-over and bioactivity in the system.

In closed systems, the protective effect can be maintained for several months to years, provided the concentration is regularly monitored and dosed. In open circuits with constant evaporation and fresh water input, we recommend continuous dosing - supplemented by online measurement or regular laboratory analysis.

Our ALMA AQUA systems can be coupled with monitoring software and automated dosing technology to keep the protective effect constant. The service life therefore depends not only on the product, but also on the process control.

Yes - our corrosion protection additives meet the requirements for technical compliance, which are defined, for example, in VDI 2035 sheets 1 & 2 for heating and water circuits, in the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) or the 42nd BImSchV.

In heating systems, we pay attention to low conductivity, a balanced pH value and high material compatibility - especially in closed systems with aluminium or galvanized steel. In district heating systems, we use tested additives with documented long-term effectiveness and stability. For systems in contact with drinking water (e.g. storage tank charging systems, plate heat exchangers), we supply DVGW-compliant variants or advise on alternative protection strategies.

On request, we can provide you with all product safety data, standard references and certificates. Our technical advice will also support you in designing the water quality in accordance with regulations.

Yes - we offer a wide range of phosphate-free, low-phosphonate and biodegradable inhibitor formulations that can be used particularly in environmentally sensitive areas or where there are disposal restrictions (e.g. direct discharge).

Phosphonate-free products are also suitable for systems with strict waste water limits or for industries with high environmental awareness (e.g. food or pharmaceutical industry). As an alternative, we use molybdates, silicates or organic dispersants, for example - with a very good protective effect, even under fluctuating operating conditions.

We will be happy to advise you on which environmentally friendly solution makes technical sense and is permissible from a regulatory perspective - including all verification documents for authorities or internal QA processes.

Yes - many of our products are so-called multifunctional formulations that combine corrosion protection with other functions: e.g. hardness stabilization, biofilm control, dispersion or pH buffering.

Such products are particularly efficient in systems in which several loads occur simultaneously - e.g. oxygen input, limescale deposits and microbial load. However, it is important that compatibility and active ingredient stability are guaranteed - especially in the case of additives with a biocidal effect or cleaning additives.

Our consultants will clarify for you which additives can be combined and, if necessary, we will supply customized complete formulations tailored to your system. Compatibility is tested analytically as standard.

Yes - our technical service team supports you nationwide and internationally in all tasks relating to corrosion protection and water management. We offer:

• On-site visits & consultation appointments

• Laboratory and field analysis (e.g. iron measurement, coupons, microscopy)

• Commissioning of dosing and monitoring technology

• Online monitoring & digital trend analysis

• Remote support & online training

You receive comprehensive support from us - from product selection to stable system operation. We also react quickly and in a solution-oriented manner in the event of malfunctions or deviations. Your benefit: All services from a single source - including additive supply, technology and digital documentation.

Our ALMA AQUA corrosion inhibitors are based on a carefully coordinated selection of active ingredient systems that are individually combined depending on the application, water quality and material combination. The following groups are used:

• Phosphates / phosphonates: These additives form protective passive layers on metal surfaces and are particularly effective on steel and iron alloys. Phosphonates also act as hardness stabilizers and are therefore ideal for high total hardness values. The disadvantage is that they can lead to scale formation in certain applications (especially at high temperatures).

• Molybdates and silicates: They form stable corrosion protection films, even with fluctuating pH values. Their low toxicity is particularly advantageous - an advantage for industries with strict environmental regulations or in closed systems. Molybdates are well suited for sensitive applications such as district heating or data centers.

• Azoles (e.g. benzotriazole, tolytriazole): These active ingredients specifically protect copper and copper alloys - either as individual components or integrated into multi-component inhibitors. They are indispensable in mixed systems with brass, bronze or gunmetal.

• Polymers & dispersants: They serve to stabilize dirt and prevent deposits caused by rust particles or suspended matter. In combination with corrosion inhibitors, they improve coating formation and system stability.

• Amine or nitrite-based systems: These are particularly suitable for high-temperature applications such as industrial steam boilers or district heating networks. However, due to their reactivity and lack of suitability for drinking water, they can only be used to a limited extent for sensitive applications (e.g. food, pharmaceuticals).

Our product selection always takes into account the material, system type, temperature range, pH value, standard specifications and environmental requirements. We will be happy to advise you individually on the optimum active ingredient strategy for your system.

Open and closed circuits place very different demands on corrosion protection:

• Open cooling circuits (e.g. recooling plants, wet cooling towers) are particularly susceptible to oxygen corrosion, hardness precipitation and biofouling due to constant contact with oxygen and evaporation losses. Multifunctional inhibitors are usually used here - often combined with phosphonates, dispersants and biocide components. The protective films must form quickly and remain stable even when fresh water is added.

• In contrast, closed systems (e.g. heating, cold water, district heating) are low in oxygen and stable in volume, but sensitive to diffusion corrosion, pH fluctuations and micro-attacks by CO₂ or aggressive media. Here we use O₂ binders (e.g. sulphite), pH-stabilizing inhibitors, silicates or molybdates. Azoles also play a role, especially in systems with copper content.

In addition, inhibitors for closed systems often have to remain stable over very long service lives without impairing the heat exchanger performance. In district heating or mixed installations (steel, copper, plastic), material compatibility is also a decisive factor.

Our ALMA AQUA solutions are formulated for specific applications and can be combined with online monitoring and automatic post-dosing on request - for maximum operational reliability and predictability.

Our corrosion protection additives cover a wide range of applications in industrial and technical water systems. The selection is always based on system type, material combination, temperature range and regulation.

We supply suitable corrosion inhibitors for:

• Process and cooling water systems in industry (e.g. chemicals, food, metal processing, energy supply)

• Open, semi-open and closed water systems, e.g. recooling plants, cooling circuits, heating and air conditioning systems

• Hot water and heating systems, including district heating networks with increased temperature levels

• Circuits with glycol or antifreeze mixtures, as are frequently used in refrigeration or building technology

• Drinking water systems (only with approved active ingredients, e.g. phosphate-free, DVGW-compliant formulations)

• Sprinkler systems that place special demands on stability and material compatibility

• Wet scrubber and wet separator systems where chemical stability and low foaming are important

• And many other technical systems such as heat exchanger circuits, gas engine cooling, test stands, hydraulic cooling, etc.

Thanks to the wide range of variants, we can offer individual solutions - both for new systems and for optimizing existing systems, OEM systems or special applications. Please do not hesitate to contact us!