The use of corrosion inhibitors in formulas for boiler cleaning and for cooling water is well established
but an increasing number of regulations and the abolishment of various well-tried corrosion inhibiting actives
put up a new challenge. Chromate, molybdate, nitrite, phosphonate and other inhibitors are being abandoned for
either ecotox or cost reasons. In this presentation, the potential of organic corrosion inhibitors for industrial
water treatment is demonstrated. After a brief survey on structure and function of organic corrosion inhibitors,
the function and the mechanisms of corrosion protection are discussed for acetylene derivatives in the light of
their application in boiler cleaning and scale removal. Immersion tests and electrochemical measurements are
used to monitor the effect of the inhibitors and their synergy with other additives.