Application ideas

Belclene 494 is a unique water treatment additive that has both deposit and corrosion control properties. It can therefore be used as a basic building block for a wide range of cooling water formulations used across the spectrum of water chemistries. This Waterfront discusses the application of Belclene 494 in zinc based and all-organic formulations.

Zinc-based programmes
Belclene 494 is shown to be an exceptionally good zinc stabiliser, giving consistent performance over a wide dosage range, even at pH 9 (see figure 1). Belclene 494 will therefore give more reliable corrosion protection in zinc-based programmes, even when variations in operating conditions occur.

Figure 1: Zinc stabilisation at pH 9

Conditions

Ca2+: 300 mg/l as CaCO3

Mg2+: 125 mg/l as CaCO3

Total alkalinity: 156 mg/l as CaCO3

Zn2+: 4 mg/l

24 hours at 40°C

Figure 2 compares the performance of a typical phosphonate/ copolymer combination with Belclene 494 in a zinc-based programme.

Figure 2: Rotacoup test

Belclene 494 effectively replaces the phosphonate/polymer combination and actually boosts performance in the higher calcium water. It is shown to enhance the performance of zinc-based programmes in a way which traditional sulphonated copolymers do not.

Belclene 494 offers significant advantages to zinc-based formulations when used as a polymer replacement to boost the corrosion properties of the phosphonate or as a polymer/ phosphonate replacement to reduce formulation costs. The service company will be able to optimise the cost effectiveness of Belclene 494 in zinc programmes.

All-organic programmes
The industry continues the trend towards more environmentally acceptable all organic programmes cooling water programmes. These enable operation in alkaline waters and eliminate the need for pH control. Belclene 494 enhances the performance of these programmes. Its calcium carbonate scale inhibition properties increase deposit control performance in comparison with sulphonated terpolymers typically used in these programmes and at the same time help to boost corrosion inhibition.

The corrosion control performance in all organic programme is shown in figure 3.

Figure 3: Rotacoup test results

Conditions:
4mg/l TTA; 5 mg/l HEDP; 7.6 mg/l PBTC; 17 mg/l polymer

Here, the existing sulphonated terpolymer has been replaced in a typical all organic formulation with Belclene 494 and a clear improvement in corrosion rates can be seen.

Belclene 494 has also been shown to be an effective phosphonate replacement in all organic formulations.

Figure 4 shows that Belclene 494 enhances the performance of the Belcor 575 based programme while improving overall cost effectiveness.

Figures 3 and 4 clearly show that Belclene 494 can be used to boost the performance of all-organic formulations.

Figure 4: Process test results

Conditions:
Mild steel heat exchanger (10,000 BTU)
300 mg/l Ca²⁺ (as CaCO₃)
bulk water temperature 40°C

The range of applications for Belclene 494 is yet to be fully explored, but it is clear that the unique combination of phosphonate and polymer in the same molecule results in a set of performance characteristics not previously seen in the industry. Belclene 494 provides a new degree of flexibility and enables the formulator to take a fresh look at the way formulations are constructed.

Process Additives Division

Warranty - Patent Position
The information contained herein is, to our knowledge, true and accurate. Because conditions of use are beyond our control, we make no warranty or representation, express or implied. except that the products discussed herein conform to the chemical descriptions shown on the labels. Nothing contained herein should be construed as permission or recommendation to infringe any patent. No agent, representative or employee of this company is authorized to vary any terms of this notice.