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Wastewater Treatment

Protect the Wastewater Treatment Industry

Corrosion is a relentless enemy at wastewater treatment plants. Constant moisture and high levels of contaminants such as H2S work to eat away metal, reinforced concrete, and equipment of all types by causing rust and corrosion. Even corrosion-resistant metals such as aluminum and galvanized steel are at risk. Treatment plants in coastal conditions face additional attacks from salt spray.

The effects of corrosion can be drastic, leading to the deterioration of metal structures and walkways, electricals, concrete structures, ventilation systems, and more. The results at best are increased maintenance and replacement; at worst: downtime, leakage, and equipment failure.

Cortec® VpCI® and MCI® Technology for Wastewater Treatment

Cortec® VpCI and MCI® Technology offer practical solutions for minimizing corrosion in wastewater treatment plants. By integrating solutions for electronics, metal surfaces, concrete structures, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations), wastewater treatment facilities can implement corrosion protection strategies that save on downtime, labor, and material costs in the long run.

Protection of Electronics and Electricals

Electronics and electricals are the brains and nerves of a wastewater treatment plant. They run the power, lights, and instruments that control operations. These sensitive components are at risk for corrosion and premature failure from the corrosive wastewater environment.

Cortec’s flagship Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor Technology is an important key to protecting electricals and electronics. By placing small VpCI® Emitters inside control panels and junction boxes, wastewater treatment plants can reduce the frequency of electrical or electronic repairs and replacements prompted by corrosion. VpCI® Emitters release corrosion inhibiting vapors that spread throughout these enclosed spaces and form a protective molecular layer on all accessible metal surfaces of electronics or electricals inside the enclosure. This VpCI® shield does not alter metal properties. Instead, it blocks the ability of oxygen, moisture, and other corrosive elements to attack the metal surface and make it rust.

Additional safeguards include ElectriCorr® VpCI® spray-applied coatings for electrical panels and Corrosorber® cups strategically placed to absorb corrosive gases like H2S.

VpCI® Coatings for Metal Structures and Equipment

Cortec® anti-corrosion coatings may be applied to tanks, walkways, junction box exteriors, electrical conduits, and other metal structures or equipment constantly exposed to corrosive attacks at wastewater treatment plants. The VpCI® system chosen depends on the target application: epoxy systems for immersion applications, UV-resistant urethane systems for harsh outdoor environments, and thin water-based clear coats for inconspicuous application over equipment surfaces. These coatings typically contain a complex mix of organic corrosion inhibitors and offer protection that competes with most paints and zinc-rich primers. Cortec® also simplifies surface prep on previously rusted surfaces with CorrVerter® rust converting primer—an easy alternative to sandblasting.

MCI® Protection for Concrete Structures

Tanks, floors, and other structures made of reinforced concrete deteriorate more quickly when exposed to harsh chemicals and contaminants at a wastewater treatment plant. Cracks and spalling concrete accelerate the deterioration process by making it easier for corrosive elements to reach the embedded reinforcement.

Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors (MCI®) applied as admixtures or surface treatments delay corrosion and reduce corrosion rates once started, helping extend the service life of reinforced concrete structures. MCI® travels through concrete pores to form a protective molecular layer on the surface of embedded rebar. The technology can be used on new or existing concrete; on tanks, walls, floors, or overhead surfaces; and for new construction, maintenance, or repair.

MRO and Process Equipment

MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) is an important part of a corrosion protection strategy. Cortec® MRO solutions include several USDA Certified Biobased Products for cleaning and degreasing, rust removal, paint removal, and general lubrication. Cortec® also offers VpCI® solutions for scale removal, hydrostatic testing, and lay-up of process equipment. Contact Cortec® for details.

Improve Wastewater Treatment Efficiency with Bionetix® Biologicals

Wastewater treatment plants use biological methods to degrade waste and lower BOD and COD levels. Bionetix® International, a subsidiary of Cortec® Canada, supplies bioaugmentation solutions that improve the wastewater treatment process efficiency. Bionetix® supplies a quality range of specialized microorganisms and nutrients that help speed up the degradation of target contaminants, reduce sludge and odor, and avoid plant upsets. Visit http://bionetix-international.com/ for more information.

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