Answer
Apr 07, 2023 - 02:58 PM
I’m told that leaving your charging lines with cracked plastic coatings in the water is one example. That provides the charge in the water to initiate electrolysis. Electrolysis can occur in a marine heat exchanger when there is a flow of electrical current through the cooling water, which causes metal ions to dissolve and corrode the heat exchanger. The following are some common causes of electrolysis in a marine heat exchanger:
Dissimilar metals: If different types of metals are used in the heat exchanger, such as copper and aluminum, they can create a galvanic cell when they come into contact with the cooling water. This cell generates an electric current, which causes metal ions to dissolve into the surrounding water source (deplate) and corrode the heat exchanger (remove metal from the heat exchanger and flow those small molecules into the surrounding water source). Although technically this is electrolysis, it’s more commonly recognized as corrosion by the user. It is common when there is a brass header and an aluminum body. As soon as a salt bridge is built across the two components they will become one and corrode each other.
Stray electrical currents: Stray electrical currents can be generated by a number of sources on a boat, such as improperly grounded electrical systems or damaged wiring. If these currents flow through the cooling water, they can cause electrolysis and corrode the heat exchanger. A well grounded boat can keep the electrolysis at bay when tied to the earth usually at the charging station.
This causes the heat exchanger to deplate into the water. In plating, there is plating and deplating.
Plating and deplating are two opposite processes that involve the transfer of metal ions between a solution and a substrate. The main difference between plating and deplating is the direction of the transfer.
Plating refers to the process of depositing metal ions onto a substrate to form a thin, even layer of metal. This process is also known as electrodeposition, and it is commonly used to improve the appearance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of metal parts. Plating is achieved by passing an electric current through a solution that contains dissolved metal ions, and placing the substrate to be plated (e.g., a metal part) in the solution as the cathode (negative electrode). As a result of the electric current, the metal ions in the solution are attracted to the cathode and are reduced to form a solid metal layer on the surface of the substrate. The metal layer adheres to the substrate through a combination of electrostatic forces and chemical bonding, resulting in a durable and uniform coating.
On the other hand, deplating refers to the process of removing metal ions from a substrate and dissolving them into a solution. This process is also known as corrosion or dissolution, and it is the result of chemical reactions that occur when metal parts are exposed to corrosive environments, such as seawater. Deplating can occur in two ways: through chemical reactions that directly dissolve metal ions from the substrate (e.g., metal ionization), or through electrochemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between the substrate and the surrounding environment (e.g., electrolysis). In either case, the metal ions that are dissolved into the solution can be carried away by the fluid flow and cause further corrosion or damage to other metal parts that they come into contact with.
In summary, plating involves the deposition of metal ions onto a substrate to form a protective layer, while deplating involves the removal of metal ions from a substrate and dissolution into a solution, which can lead to corrosion and damage of metal parts.
Impurities in the cooling water: Impurities in the cooling water, such as salts, minerals, and organic matter, can increase its electrical conductivity and cause electrolysis. These impurities can come from a variety of sources, such as saltwater / seawater or sometimes even freshwater sources.
Cathodic protection systems: Cathodic protection systems are used to protect metal components on a boat from corrosion by providing a more easily corroded "sacrificial" metal that corrodes first. However, if the cathodic protection system is not properly installed or maintained, it can cause electrolysis and corrode the heat exchanger.
Leaving charging lines in the water: Leaving charging lines in the water can cause electrical currents to flow through the water and cause electrolysis. This can be particularly problematic if the charging lines are made of a different metal than the heat exchanger.
To prevent electrolysis from occurring in a marine heat exchanger, it is important to use the correct type of metals, properly ground the electrical system, and perform regular maintenance. Additionally, using sacrificial anodes made of a more active metal can help protect the heat exchanger from corrosion. There are also things that happen chemically during electrolysis.
Electrolysis is a chemical process that occurs when an electric current flows through a conductive medium and causes a chemical reaction to occur. In the case of boats, electrolysis occurs when the metal parts of the boat are exposed to water that contains electrically conductive materials, such as dissolved salts and minerals and there is an electrical charge in the water. It can happen either internally causing a leak most commonly at the tube bundle header; but also shows itself by creating holes in the bundle tubes. Or it can show itself externally which looks like common corrosion. This is the fault of your grounding system and is not influenced by the construction of the heat exchanger.
When these conductive materials (electrolytes) come into contact with the metal parts of the boat, they create a conductive pathway that allows electric current to flow. This current causes metal ions to dissolve, resulting in what appears to be corrosion and damage to the metal parts of the boat. It is actually depleting of the metail in the water which detaches it from the coatings and as less and less of the (in most cases) copper begins to look corroded. The chemical reaction that occurs during electrolysis can be summarized as follows:
At the anode (positive electrode): The metal at the anode dissolves and becomes ionized, releasing electrons into the solution. For example, if the anode is made of zinc, the following reaction will occur:
Zn → Zn2+ + 2e-
At the cathode (negative electrode): Electrons from the anode combine with positive ions in the solution, causing the metal to plate out on the cathode. For example, if the cathode is made of copper, the following reaction will occur:
Cu2+ + 2e- → Cu
Overall reaction: The net result of this chemical reaction is the dissolution of metal at the anode and the deposition of metal on the cathode. This process can result in the depletion of metal from the anode and the accumulation of metal on the cathode, which can cause corrosion and damage to the metal parts of the boat.
Electrolysis is a phenomenon that occurs in boats and other metal structures that are exposed to water. It is the process by which electric current flows through a conductive medium and causes metal ions to dissolve, resulting in corrosion and damage to the metal structure.
In a boat, electrolysis occurs when the metal parts of the boat (such as the engine, propeller, and other metal fittings) are exposed to water that contains electrically conductive materials. These materials can include dissolved salts and minerals, stray current from nearby boats or electrical sources, and other conductive materials that may be present in the water.
When these conductive materials come into contact with the metal parts of the boat, they create a conductive pathway that allows electric current to flow. This current causes metal ions to dissolve, resulting in corrosion and damage to the metal parts of the boat.
To prevent electrolysis from occurring, it is important to take several steps, such as using sacrificial anodes made of a more active metal, avoiding dissimilar metals, properly grounding the electrical system, and performing regular maintenance. These steps can help to minimize the occurrence of electric current and prevent the chemical reactions that cause electrolysis from taking place.
There are several factors that can contribute to the occurrence of electrolysis in a boat. These include:
Saltwater environments: Boats that operate in saltwater environments are more prone to electrolysis than those that operate in freshwater environments. This is because saltwater is a more conductive medium than freshwater, which means that it is more likely to create a conductive pathway for electric current to flow.
Stray current: Stray current is an electrical current that flows through the water and can be caused by nearby boats, marinas, or other electrical sources. When this current comes into contact with the metal parts of a boat, it can cause electrolysis to occur.
Dissimilar metals: When two different types of metal come into contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte (such as water), a small electric current can be generated. This current can cause corrosion and damage to the metal parts of the boat.
Poor grounding: If a boat's electrical system is not properly grounded, it can create a pathway for stray current to flow through the boat's metal parts, which can cause electrolysis to occur.
Impurities in the water: Water that contains impurities such as dirt, sand, and other minerals can increase its conductivity and create a pathway for electric current to flow.
To prevent electrolysis from occurring in a boat, it is important to take several steps. These include:
Using sacrificial anodes: Sacrificial anodes are made of a metal that is more electrically active than the metal parts of the boat. When the boat is in the water, the anodes will corrode instead of the boat's metal parts, protecting them from electrolysis.
Avoiding dissimilar metals: Whenever possible, it is best to avoid using dissimilar metals in the same location on a boat. If this is not possible, it is important to ensure that the metals are electrically isolated from each other.
Properly grounding the electrical system: A boat's electrical system should be properly grounded to prevent stray current from flowing through the metal parts of the boat.
Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance of a boat's electrical system and metal parts can help to prevent electrolysis from occurring. This includes cleaning and inspecting the boat's metal parts and replacing sacrificial anodes when necessary.
In conclusion, electrolysis is a common problem in boats that can cause corrosion and damage to the metal parts of the boat. It is caused by electric current flowing through a conductive medium and dissolving metal ions. To prevent electrolysis from occurring, it is important to use sacrificial anodes, avoid dissimilar metals, properly ground the electrical system, and perform regular maintenance. ©2023 Mr. Cool Marine LLC
Dissimilar metals: If different types of metals are used in the heat exchanger, such as copper and aluminum, they can create a galvanic cell when they come into contact with the cooling water. This cell generates an electric current, which causes metal ions to dissolve into the surrounding water source (deplate) and corrode the heat exchanger (remove metal from the heat exchanger and flow those small molecules into the surrounding water source). Although technically this is electrolysis, it’s more commonly recognized as corrosion by the user. It is common when there is a brass header and an aluminum body. As soon as a salt bridge is built across the two components they will become one and corrode each other.
Stray electrical currents: Stray electrical currents can be generated by a number of sources on a boat, such as improperly grounded electrical systems or damaged wiring. If these currents flow through the cooling water, they can cause electrolysis and corrode the heat exchanger. A well grounded boat can keep the electrolysis at bay when tied to the earth usually at the charging station.
This causes the heat exchanger to deplate into the water. In plating, there is plating and deplating.
Plating and deplating are two opposite processes that involve the transfer of metal ions between a solution and a substrate. The main difference between plating and deplating is the direction of the transfer.
Plating refers to the process of depositing metal ions onto a substrate to form a thin, even layer of metal. This process is also known as electrodeposition, and it is commonly used to improve the appearance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of metal parts. Plating is achieved by passing an electric current through a solution that contains dissolved metal ions, and placing the substrate to be plated (e.g., a metal part) in the solution as the cathode (negative electrode). As a result of the electric current, the metal ions in the solution are attracted to the cathode and are reduced to form a solid metal layer on the surface of the substrate. The metal layer adheres to the substrate through a combination of electrostatic forces and chemical bonding, resulting in a durable and uniform coating.
On the other hand, deplating refers to the process of removing metal ions from a substrate and dissolving them into a solution. This process is also known as corrosion or dissolution, and it is the result of chemical reactions that occur when metal parts are exposed to corrosive environments, such as seawater. Deplating can occur in two ways: through chemical reactions that directly dissolve metal ions from the substrate (e.g., metal ionization), or through electrochemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between the substrate and the surrounding environment (e.g., electrolysis). In either case, the metal ions that are dissolved into the solution can be carried away by the fluid flow and cause further corrosion or damage to other metal parts that they come into contact with.
In summary, plating involves the deposition of metal ions onto a substrate to form a protective layer, while deplating involves the removal of metal ions from a substrate and dissolution into a solution, which can lead to corrosion and damage of metal parts.
Impurities in the cooling water: Impurities in the cooling water, such as salts, minerals, and organic matter, can increase its electrical conductivity and cause electrolysis. These impurities can come from a variety of sources, such as saltwater / seawater or sometimes even freshwater sources.
Cathodic protection systems: Cathodic protection systems are used to protect metal components on a boat from corrosion by providing a more easily corroded "sacrificial" metal that corrodes first. However, if the cathodic protection system is not properly installed or maintained, it can cause electrolysis and corrode the heat exchanger.
Leaving charging lines in the water: Leaving charging lines in the water can cause electrical currents to flow through the water and cause electrolysis. This can be particularly problematic if the charging lines are made of a different metal than the heat exchanger.
To prevent electrolysis from occurring in a marine heat exchanger, it is important to use the correct type of metals, properly ground the electrical system, and perform regular maintenance. Additionally, using sacrificial anodes made of a more active metal can help protect the heat exchanger from corrosion. There are also things that happen chemically during electrolysis.
Electrolysis is a chemical process that occurs when an electric current flows through a conductive medium and causes a chemical reaction to occur. In the case of boats, electrolysis occurs when the metal parts of the boat are exposed to water that contains electrically conductive materials, such as dissolved salts and minerals and there is an electrical charge in the water. It can happen either internally causing a leak most commonly at the tube bundle header; but also shows itself by creating holes in the bundle tubes. Or it can show itself externally which looks like common corrosion. This is the fault of your grounding system and is not influenced by the construction of the heat exchanger.
When these conductive materials (electrolytes) come into contact with the metal parts of the boat, they create a conductive pathway that allows electric current to flow. This current causes metal ions to dissolve, resulting in what appears to be corrosion and damage to the metal parts of the boat. It is actually depleting of the metail in the water which detaches it from the coatings and as less and less of the (in most cases) copper begins to look corroded. The chemical reaction that occurs during electrolysis can be summarized as follows:
At the anode (positive electrode): The metal at the anode dissolves and becomes ionized, releasing electrons into the solution. For example, if the anode is made of zinc, the following reaction will occur:
Zn → Zn2+ + 2e-
At the cathode (negative electrode): Electrons from the anode combine with positive ions in the solution, causing the metal to plate out on the cathode. For example, if the cathode is made of copper, the following reaction will occur:
Cu2+ + 2e- → Cu
Overall reaction: The net result of this chemical reaction is the dissolution of metal at the anode and the deposition of metal on the cathode. This process can result in the depletion of metal from the anode and the accumulation of metal on the cathode, which can cause corrosion and damage to the metal parts of the boat.
Electrolysis is a phenomenon that occurs in boats and other metal structures that are exposed to water. It is the process by which electric current flows through a conductive medium and causes metal ions to dissolve, resulting in corrosion and damage to the metal structure.
In a boat, electrolysis occurs when the metal parts of the boat (such as the engine, propeller, and other metal fittings) are exposed to water that contains electrically conductive materials. These materials can include dissolved salts and minerals, stray current from nearby boats or electrical sources, and other conductive materials that may be present in the water.
When these conductive materials come into contact with the metal parts of the boat, they create a conductive pathway that allows electric current to flow. This current causes metal ions to dissolve, resulting in corrosion and damage to the metal parts of the boat.
To prevent electrolysis from occurring, it is important to take several steps, such as using sacrificial anodes made of a more active metal, avoiding dissimilar metals, properly grounding the electrical system, and performing regular maintenance. These steps can help to minimize the occurrence of electric current and prevent the chemical reactions that cause electrolysis from taking place.
There are several factors that can contribute to the occurrence of electrolysis in a boat. These include:
Saltwater environments: Boats that operate in saltwater environments are more prone to electrolysis than those that operate in freshwater environments. This is because saltwater is a more conductive medium than freshwater, which means that it is more likely to create a conductive pathway for electric current to flow.
Stray current: Stray current is an electrical current that flows through the water and can be caused by nearby boats, marinas, or other electrical sources. When this current comes into contact with the metal parts of a boat, it can cause electrolysis to occur.
Dissimilar metals: When two different types of metal come into contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte (such as water), a small electric current can be generated. This current can cause corrosion and damage to the metal parts of the boat.
Poor grounding: If a boat's electrical system is not properly grounded, it can create a pathway for stray current to flow through the boat's metal parts, which can cause electrolysis to occur.
Impurities in the water: Water that contains impurities such as dirt, sand, and other minerals can increase its conductivity and create a pathway for electric current to flow.
To prevent electrolysis from occurring in a boat, it is important to take several steps. These include:
Using sacrificial anodes: Sacrificial anodes are made of a metal that is more electrically active than the metal parts of the boat. When the boat is in the water, the anodes will corrode instead of the boat's metal parts, protecting them from electrolysis.
Avoiding dissimilar metals: Whenever possible, it is best to avoid using dissimilar metals in the same location on a boat. If this is not possible, it is important to ensure that the metals are electrically isolated from each other.
Properly grounding the electrical system: A boat's electrical system should be properly grounded to prevent stray current from flowing through the metal parts of the boat.
Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance of a boat's electrical system and metal parts can help to prevent electrolysis from occurring. This includes cleaning and inspecting the boat's metal parts and replacing sacrificial anodes when necessary.
In conclusion, electrolysis is a common problem in boats that can cause corrosion and damage to the metal parts of the boat. It is caused by electric current flowing through a conductive medium and dissolving metal ions. To prevent electrolysis from occurring, it is important to use sacrificial anodes, avoid dissimilar metals, properly ground the electrical system, and perform regular maintenance. ©2023 Mr. Cool Marine LLC
