Corrosion, the deterioration of metals and alloys through a physical and/or chemical reaction with the environment, is expensive. Heat exchangers used in HVAC equipment, specifically condenser and cooling/heating coils are exposed in the environment, and this can lead to corrosion, failures, and performance degradation of the equipment in the cases of improper heat exchanger protection in corrosive locations.
Potentially corrosive environments include coastal and marine areas, locations adjacent to industrial and urban areas, locations with proximity to heavy road traffic, factories, power plants, or the combinations of the above.
For microchannel heat exchangers, the best coating option is factory-applied electrodeposition, which is also referred to as electrocoating (e-coating) or electrophoretic deposition, and produce uniform finishing with excellent corrosion resistance.
Electrocoating is typically made from polymeric resins, solvents and diluents, and pigments. Resin is a base of the paint which provides protection against corrosion and ultraviolet durability.
Despite the additional cost of electrocoating, corrosion protection for heat exchangers is cost-effective: exponentially longer service life and failure-free equipment operation fully pay off all expenses related to electrocoating.