#36A
Product: White Rust on Galvanized Steel Date: 8/09
layer of shield material that is applied as a microcoating, created by chemical reaction with the base material, or allowed to build from spontaneous oxidation in the air. As a technique, passivation is the
use of a light coat of a protective material, such as metal oxide, to create a shell against corrosion. Passivation can occur only in certain conditions, and is used in microelectronics to enhance silicon.[1]
Zinc Passivation
The technique of passivation strengthens and preserves the appearance of metallics. In electrochemical treatment of water, passivation reduces the effectiveness of the treatment by increasing the circuit
Like many
resistance, metals,
and active measuresthe goodused
are typically corrosion properties
to overcome this
Parameter Passivation Value
effect, the most common being polarity reversal, which results in limited rejection of the fouling layer. Other proprietary systems to
of zinc are due to a thin film of corrosion pH 7.0 8.0
avoid electrode passivation, several discussed below, are the subject of ongoing research and development.
product that forms on the surface of the metal.
This tightly-adherent corrosion film is called a Conductivity <2,400
passivation layer. The formation of the Calcium Hardness >50 ppm
passivation layer is essential to achieving long-
life with a galvanized product. Chlorides <250 ppm
Zinc will naturally form a passivation layer Sulfates <250 ppm
when exposed to weathering over an extended Alkalinity <300 ppm
period of time. Rain combined with air drying
will, over the course of a year or more form a Chlorine (biocide) <0.5 ppm
passivation layer on all areas of the zinc which
do not come in contact with recirculating water. Fresh zinc has a bright shiny appearance;
Thus, the exterior of evaporative equipment and passivated zinc acquires a dull gray metallic
all interior areas above the drift eliminators will appearance. See Figure 2 and Figure 3.
naturally develop a passivation film. Before the cooling equipment is delivered to the
For the components of the system that are site, Evapco recommends that a written
exposed to or immersed in recirculating water, passivation plan be developed. This plan should
the water chemistry must be carefully controlled be based on the site-specific make-up water and
until a passivation film forms. Once the film include how the appropriate water chemistry
forms, the recirculating water chemistry, though will be maintained, how the system will be run,
still important, is less critical for zinc corrosion. and who will be responsible for conducting the
If the passivation film is damaged by abrasion or passivation.
chemical attack, it must be re-formed by again
carefully controlling the recirculating water Summary
chemistry. Galvanized steel is an excellent material of
It is very difficult to control these water construction for evaporative cooling systems,
parameters and form a passivation layer in a which, with proper care, will have a long service
system started under load due to the higher life. Before any water is added to a new piece
temperature and the continually changing water of galvanized equipment, the equipment
chemistry. Therefore, if possible, the equipment operator should have a detailed plan for
should be commissioned with water circulation passivation of the galvanized metal and
and without a heat load. The critical parameters continued water treatment after passivation.
to form the passivation film are described in the See your local water treatment specialist for
following table. It generally takes 4 to 12 weeks more information.
to passivate zinc with pH control the most
critical parameter and with the first few weeks
of water exposure being the most critical time.
Figure 2 Figure 3
Bright and Shiny Dull Gray
Fresh Zinc Passivated Zinc