Chemical Company Introduces Alternative to Hazardous Boiler Treatment Chemical

Cortec Corporation has announced a solution for treating oxygen pitting in industrial boilers that could provide a safer alternative to hydrazine, a toxic compound commonly used in water treatment programs.

The company’s S-15 product combines volatile neutralizing amines with an oxygen scavenger and metal passivator, designed to protect boiler systems from corrosion while addressing worker safety concerns associated with traditional treatments.

Oxygen pitting, a significant issue in both high- and low-pressure boilers, occurs when dissolved oxygen oxidizes steel surfaces, creating small pits that can compromise system integrity. This corrosion is particularly problematic in high-pressure steam boilers that regularly receive oxygenated water, potentially leading to damaged tubes, leaks, and system inefficiencies.

The treatment works through a three-step process: neutralizing acidic species, reducing oxygen levels in the water, and converting existing rust to a more stable form. According to the company, the solution can be applied at a dosage of 2-5 ppm and is compatible with condensate water recycling systems.

Unlike hydrazine, which has raised health and safety concerns in industrial settings, S-15 is marketed as a lower-toxicity alternative that can be integrated into existing water treatment programs. The product can be introduced through the deaerator, feedwater tank, or steam drum, and does not leave solid residue or affect steam quality.

The development comes as industrial facilities face increasing pressure to find safer alternatives to traditional chemical treatments while maintaining effective corrosion prevention in their boiler systems.