Stopping Galvanic Corrosion in Water Cooling Systems
Water coolants might be fantastic for keeping your tech chilled, but they can also kickstart a corrosive reaction, especially with a water cooling loop containing various metals. That's why it's like a treasure trove for galvanic corrosion, as seen in der8aer's recent video. The heart of the issue lies in the setup that's a tapestry of dissimilar metals, such as brass fittings, radiators, and nickel-plated copper cooling blocks.
Theoretically speaking, relying on just distilled water in a single-metal loop (e.g., copper) should pose no issues. But with the mix-and-match game of materials, galvanic corrosion enters the scene. This electrochemical dance sees one metal taking the anode role, losing precious ions, and passing them on to the cathode, resulting in corrosion on the cathode metal.
The nickel-plated cold plate, a key part of the cooling system, typically promises immunity to this galvanic corrosion. However, as demonstrated in the video, a brief soak in distilled water at 60°C was enough to instigate strong corrosion. Once analyzed using SEM, it was discovered that the imperfect nickel plating allowed copper ions to slip into the water, later depositing on top of the nickel (the cathode).
However, using a coolant with a corrosion inhibitor, like DP Ultra, could curb this corrosive spectacle. This coolant is mostly distilled water with the addition of glycol for pH improvement and protective surface coatings. Benzotriazole is another ingredient that offers similar benefits, targeting specific environments and thwarting unwanted organic films. However, the presence of biocides might be necessary to combat microbial contamination that can speed up corrosion.
So, water cooling can be more intricate than it seems at first glance. Chemical additives, cunningly dubbed corrosion inhibitors, work as shields by passivating metal surfaces or altering water chemistry, preventing the electrochemical drama associated with corrosion. And as with all great defenses, regular maintenance is paramount for long-lasting protection.
In the context of water cooling systems, the mix-and-match of different metals can lead to galvanic corrosion, as shown in a recent video. This electrochemical reaction occurs when one metal acts as the anode, losing ions, and passes them to the cathode, resulting in corrosion on the cathode metal. However, employing a coolant with corrosion inhibitors like DP Ultra or Benzotriazole can help prevent this corrosive phenomenon, ensuring the longevity of the cooling system.
