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» Why are my HVAC coils corroded?
Friday, 24 October 2014
HVAC coil corrosion can be a costly problem for building
managers, and it can strike at any time – from a matter of weeks to years following
installation. To make matters worse, symptoms aren’t always immediately
apparent to the naked eye so it’s a tricky defect to spot. By the time
corrosion is apparent, it’s usually too late and replacement is required.
It’s often a matter of location, as coils are more prone to
corrosion when installed in buildings near the coast or close to industrial
applications such as laundries and water treatment works. However, on the whole
corrosion occurs simply because coils operate in an ever-changing environment
of air and water.
There are two common types of coil corrosion – pitting and
formicary.
Pitting corrosion
is caused by the presence of chlorides or fluorides and can normally be seen on
the outside of copper tubing. Pitting occurs when condensation forms on coils
and coils and negatively-charged chloride or fluoride ions attack the metal
surface. Pits, or small pinhole-type undulations are formed which eventually
corrode through completely and cause a refrigerant leak.
Formicary corrosion
occurs as a result of organic acids including acetic and formic acids.
Formicary corrosion is less obvious than pitting as it tends to take the form
of a network of tiny tunnels beneath the surface of the copper. Eventually one
of these passages breaks through the surface and allows refrigerant to seep
out. Look out for blue/grey deposits on coil surfaces as a sign that formicary
corrosion is taking place.
Refrigerant leaks and burst coils, like any HVAC system fault, lead to
discomfort for building occupants and require prompt attention. You can rely on
Gibbons to attend to burst or leaking coils urgently and have your system
functioning properly in the shortest possible time. Our flexible working systems
mean our engineers will operate around your schedule to minimise disruption to
your business.
For more information on HVAC coil replacement, call Gibbons’
HVAC Services Manager
Andrew Knight on 07850 204915 or email andrew.knight@gibbonsgroup.co.uk.
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