Corrosion's effect must be considered when designing open- or closed-loop hydronic systems.
Designing an open- or closed-loop hydronic system for domestic or commercial applications requires an appreciation for the role that corrosion plays in degrading system components over time. The variations in the factors controlling corrosion account for the complexity of the corrosion problems. With corrosion in mind, the plumbing engineer needs to carefully select the required pumps, valves and piping based on the susceptibility of their metal alloys to the corrosion process. This article will present a brief overview of open- and closed-loop heat transfer systems, and then focus on ways to prevent or minimize the oxidation process that is at the heart of the corrosion problem.