White rust is a major concern among users of galvanized cooling towers, and there is no standard method of preventing white rust in the many locations where pH control is not possible. Last year in the southeastern US alone over 200 new galvanized towers showed signs of white rust. Many users have stopped specifying and using galvanized cooling towers because of concerns about white rust thereby costing hundreds of thousands of dollars for the use of premium materials such as stainless steel. Further investigation into prevention of white rust is needed to establish a clearly documented and universally successful alternative to pH control for white rust prevention.

The objective of this research project is to identify water treatment programs that minimize and ultimately eliminate the formation of white rust.

Principal Investigator: William E. Stewart, University of Missouri - Columbia

Conducted: January 1999 - December 1999

Sponsored by: TC 3.6, Corrosion and Water Treatment