Effect of polyox drag reducing polymer on the Diffusion Controlled Corrosion of agitated vessels

The effect of the additions of polyethelene oxide (Polyox) on the rate of dissolution of the copper wall of an agitated vessels in acidified FeCl 3 solutions was determined by measuring the weight loss and the increase of Cu ++ concentration with time using iodometry. Variables studied were polymer concentration and impeller rotation speed. Polymer addition was found to decrease the rate of diffusion controlled corrosion of copper in acidified FeCl 3 by about 25%. The decrease in the rate of corrosion was found to be insensitive to polymer concentration and impeller rotation speed. Practical implications of using drag reducing polymers to combat corrosion and decrease power consumption in agitated vessels were noted.