Author: Ing. Mario Toyo, August 22, 2023
Introduction
The energy industry is constantly looking for new ways to protect assets; Plant extract corrosion inhibitors are an alternative to protect both metallic structures and the environment. These substances are synthesized from natural plant extracts; and represent a promising and environmentally friendly solution.
Humidity and contaminants in the atmosphere react with metal surfaces, causing the material to deteriorate. There are alternatives to protect metals without the need for grease or paint, through the application of inhibitors, the latter represents one of the main methods of protection, substances that are used in low concentrations in the corrosive medium, reduce or prevent the reaction between the metal and the medium. The inhibitors, of synthetic organic origin, are efficient, however, their chemical nature makes them persistent, little or no degradable, and, in most cases, highly toxic .
In this article, I will discuss the intersection of corrosion protection and ecological sustainability, exploring how these green inhibitors are changing the way we deal with corrosion in the energy industry.
The Corrosion Challenge: Beyond the Surface
Traditionally, corrosion (see Figure.1) has been combated using aggressive chemicals . However, these chemicals can be harmful to the environment and to health.
The energy transition is the change from an energy system based on fossil fuels to one based on renewable energy sources. This change is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change; which is essential for the future of our planet.
The two facts mentioned above have led to the development of new ecological inhibitors, synthesized from natural plant extracts; this being a promising and environmentally friendly solution; Therefore, new alternatives are being developed that reduce the damage rate of metallic materials and that, in addition, are friendly to the environment [1]. Among the most outstanding ones can be named the extracts obtained from the leaves of plants, shells, fruits, seeds and roots, as ecological inhibitors, due to their safe effect, practical use, low cost and because they are renewable materials [5].
These ecological inhibitors , extracted from natural sources, represent a more sustainable approach to the prevailing need. A telling example is the adoption of essential oils as inhibitory agents, not only because of their proven efficacy, but also because of their unmatched positive environmental impact.
An essential feature of these green inhibitors is their biodegradability. In a world where ecological awareness is deepening, this quality becomes vitally important. Unlike traditional chemicals, which can persist in the environment, plant inhibitors break down naturally, leaving no trace of toxicity behind.
Extractive Corrosion Inhibitors: A sustainable approach
Plant-derived corrosion inhibitors emerge as the vanguard of an evolution in the energy industry, where effective protection and respect for the environment are intertwined in innovative ways. This evolution is more than just a change: it is a paradigm shift, a shift towards a future where efficiency and sustainability coexist in harmony.
This new generation of ecological inhibitors is emerging as a more sustainable alternative. These inhibitors are derived from plant extracts and have a number of advantages over traditional chemical products.
- First , plant inhibitors are biodegradable, which means they break down harmlessly in the environment.
- Second , plant inhibitors are less toxic than traditional chemicals, making them safer for human health.
- Third , plant inhibitors are more effective than traditional chemical products in preventing corrosion.
As a result of these advantages, plant inhibitors are rapidly replacing traditional chemicals as the preferred way to protect assets in the energy industry.
Examples of plant-based corrosion inhibitors
- Essential oils: Essential oils, such as clove oil, peppermint oil, and lemon oil, have antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can be used as inhibitors.
- Tannins: The tannins present in plant extracts such as the one from oak bark have inhibitory properties and can be applied as protective coatings.
- Phenolic compounds: Phenolic compounds, such as tannic acid, present in many plants, have antioxidant properties and can form protective films on metal surfaces.
- Vegetable alkaloids : Some alkaloids present in plants, such as caffeine and quinine, have been shown to be effective as inhibitors under certain conditions.
- Extracts of seaweed and marine plants: Some seaweed and marine plants contain compounds that can be used in marine and saline environments.
- Modified natural products : Through chemical modification processes, more effective and stable natural compounds can be transformed.
These examples highlight the diversity of options offered by plant-based inhibitors, showing how nature can be a valuable source of corrosion protection solutions in the energy industry.
A Toxicity-Free Future: Environmental Benefits
Plant-derived inhibitors offer a number of environmental benefits over traditional chemical products.
- First of all , vegetable inhibitors are biodegradable, which means that they do not pollute the environment.
- Secondly , plant inhibitors are less toxic than traditional chemicals, which means that they do not harm human health and the environment.
- Third , plant inhibitors are more effective than traditional chemicals in preventing corrosion, which means they require fewer chemicals to achieve the same level of protection.
As a result of these advantages, plant-derived inhibitors are helping to reduce the environmental impact of the energy industry.
Applications in the energy sector
These inhibitors offer a number of advantages over traditional chemicals, such as their biodegradability, low toxicity, and high efficacy. As a result, they are rapidly replacing traditional chemicals in protecting assets from corrosion in a variety of industries.
Other applications: Corrosion inhibitors from plant extracts are used to protect a variety of assets in the energy industry , including drinking water pipes, metallic structures in marine environments, and electrical components in humid environments.
- Benefits: They help protect drinking water pipes, metallic structures in marine environments and electrical components in humid environments.
A specific example of how these inhibitors have been used in the last 5 years is the case of the German company BASF, which developed an inhibitor based on phenolic compounds to protect electrical components in humid environments. The inhibitor was shown to be effective in preventing corrosion of electrical contacts, relays, and capacitors.
Conclusion
Plant-derived corrosion inhibitors are a new generation that offer a number of advantages over traditional chemicals. They are biodegradable, less toxic and more effective. As a result, they are rapidly replacing traditional chemicals as the preferred way to protect assets in the energy industry.
Read more for a sustainable future!”
References:
- Article “How can vegetables prevent corrosion?” Written by: Dr. José Gonzalo González Rodríguez, Dr. Elizabeth America Cold Flowers, Dr. Edna Vázquez Vélez, Dr. Horacio Martínez. Valencia Monday, August 29, 2022
Loading...
