- Joined
- Apr 20, 2002
- Location
- Huffing Water Wetter
When placed in an electrolyte, different metals/alloys assume different corrosion potentials. It is this potential difference that is the driving force for galvanic current flow. The less noble material in the galvanic couple will become the anode and will undergo accelerated corrosion. There are several things done to reduce this effect, such as the addition of various corrosion inhibitors (Dex-cool, Zerex, Water Wetter, ect.) to commonly used distilled water used by most of us in our water-cooling systems.
As we all know, pure distilled water is the best medium for heat transfer. The addition of said additives will lower the performance of pure water. How much of a performance hit is dependant on the water/additive ratio. I personally would like to find a way to prevent galvanic corrosion without taking a performance hit.
What I am proposing is to counter the potential difference with an equal and opposite potential via a DC power source and potentiometer.
Measure the electrical potential with a multimeter, then tweak the potentiometer until the meter reads zero.
I have a feeling our systems are electrically dynamic due to variations in the metal, oxidation, and water chemistry. If this were so, it would require constant tweaking of the potentiometer to maintain a zero potential, and could lead to huge problems if left unattended for long periods of time. These problems could include increased rates of corrosion, electrolysis of the water leading to Hydrogen-build up, and leaks due to added pressure associated with Hydrogen build-up.
To remedy this, an active feedback loop consisting of a voltage control unit and a voltmeter could be utilized to constantly and automatically measure, and correct for, any deviations from zero potential.
Of course all of this is mostly speculation, and not very practical. The reason I posted this is I'm looking for either confirmation or disproval of my idea, based on factual information, not speculation, and the little details that I have overlooked that could make this completely pointless.
I realize it will be practically impossible to completely eliminate galvanic corrosion with the above method. I would be happy if it could limit galvanic corrosion to the same levels as corrosion inhibitor additives.
As we all know, pure distilled water is the best medium for heat transfer. The addition of said additives will lower the performance of pure water. How much of a performance hit is dependant on the water/additive ratio. I personally would like to find a way to prevent galvanic corrosion without taking a performance hit.
What I am proposing is to counter the potential difference with an equal and opposite potential via a DC power source and potentiometer.
Measure the electrical potential with a multimeter, then tweak the potentiometer until the meter reads zero.
I have a feeling our systems are electrically dynamic due to variations in the metal, oxidation, and water chemistry. If this were so, it would require constant tweaking of the potentiometer to maintain a zero potential, and could lead to huge problems if left unattended for long periods of time. These problems could include increased rates of corrosion, electrolysis of the water leading to Hydrogen-build up, and leaks due to added pressure associated with Hydrogen build-up.
To remedy this, an active feedback loop consisting of a voltage control unit and a voltmeter could be utilized to constantly and automatically measure, and correct for, any deviations from zero potential.
Of course all of this is mostly speculation, and not very practical. The reason I posted this is I'm looking for either confirmation or disproval of my idea, based on factual information, not speculation, and the little details that I have overlooked that could make this completely pointless.
I realize it will be practically impossible to completely eliminate galvanic corrosion with the above method. I would be happy if it could limit galvanic corrosion to the same levels as corrosion inhibitor additives.
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