Cooling System Terminology

Amphoteric Metal: A metal that is susceptible to corrosion in both acid and alkaline environments.

Anion: A negatively charged ion that migrates through the electrolyte (water) towards the anode under the influence of a potential gradient.

Anode: he electrode of an electrochemical cell at which oxidation occurs. Electrons flow away from the anode in the external circuit. Corrosion usually occurs and metal ions enter the solution at the anode.

Aerobic: In the presence of air or combined oxygen.

Blowdown: The process of discharging a significant portion of the aqueous solution (cooling water) to remove accumulated salts, deposits, and other impurities.

Cation: A positively charged ion that migrates through the electrolyte (water) toward the cathode under the influence of a potential gradient.

Conductivity: The capacity to conduct electricity in an electrolyte (water).

Corrosion: The deterioration of a material (usually a metal) that results from a reaction with its environment.

Corrosion Inhibitor: A chemical substance or combination of substances that, when present in the environment, prevents or reduces corrosion.

Corrosion Rate: The rate at which corrosion proceeds.

Corrosiveness (corrosivity): The tendency for an environment to cause corrosion.

Fouling: An accumulation of deposits on a surface

Ion: An electrically charged atom or group of atoms

Microbiocide: Any chemical that will kill microorganisms. Used synonymously with biocide and bactericide.

Oxidation: Loss of electrons by a constituent of a chemical reaction.

Pitting: Localized corrosion of a metal surface that is confined to a small area and takes the form of cavities called pits.

Rust: Corrosion products consisting of various iron oxides and hydrated iron oxides.

Scaling: The deposition of water-insoluble constituents on a metal surface

Slime: An extracellular material produced by some microorganisms, characterized by a slimy consistency of various chemical compositions.