Problem 6.10: The chapter says oxygen is not the strongest
From Chapter 6 Problem Set. Level 3: System Integration.
Question
The chapter says oxygen is not the strongest oxidant but has two advantages no applied oxidant can match. Name those advantages, and explain why they make oxygen the most persistent corrosion threat in industrial water systems.
Answer
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Oxygen’s two unmatched advantages: (1) it is dissolved in almost every water system on Earth, and (2) it is constantly replenished by contact with air. Applied oxidants like chlorine or ozone must be dosed and maintained. Oxygen requires no deliberate addition. It is present by default in most waters and can be continuously replenished whenever the system contacts air.