Methods for Assessing the Corrosion Behaviour of Heat Exchanger Materials and Components

To determine the true galvanic compatibility of radiator components a test has been developed using a zero resistance ammeter (ZRA) technique, which measures the magnitude of the galvanic current between different materials, thus allowing specific corrosion rates to be calculated. It is believed that the use of the ZRA technique will help provide a better balance between sacrificial behaviour and thermal performance of fin alloys. In particular, it will be demonstrated that it is not necessary to make additions of zinc to the fin alloys to attain a sacrificial effect, which in the longer term may compromise the recyclability of radiator units.