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Corrosion inhibitors are chemicals that, when present in very low concentrations,
retard corrosion. A variety of unrelated product types possess this common
function; however, almost all are produced principally for other applications.
Thus, most basic producers of these product families do not dedicate a major
effort to servicing this market area, and rarely does a major manufacturer
produce products exclusively for this market. Consequently, few of these basic
producers regard themselves as being in the corrosion inhibitor business.
This report describes the major active materials in formulated corrosion inhibitors,
their consumption by volume (on a 100% active basis), and their value at the
level of sale by the basic manufacturer to the service company. The report
also excludes many large-volume, commodity-type inorganic chemicals (e.g.,
alkali and lime) that are used only for neutralization, as well as boric acid
and its salts.
World consumption of corrosion inhibitors is expected to grow to over 930
thousand metric tons during 2005-2010. The relatively low growth rates projected
for corrosion inhibitors, all below GDP growth in each region, reflect the
high level of maturity of most of the basic industries in the developed markets.
They also reflect the replacement of steel by plastics, ceramics, and corrosion-resistant
alloys in the industries. Industries have also used corrosion inhibitors more
efficiently by employing better monitoring and control techniques to minimize
discharges in the effluent streams and their impact on the environment.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of corrosion inhibitors:
Growth during 2002–2005 in North America was much stronger than during
earlier periods, a development that reflected the strong recovery in the U.S.
economy after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack and the robust oil field
market, driven by sharply rising oil prices during the period. In 2005–2010,
the North American market is expected to continue to grow moderately. Although
the price of oil has pulled back from its peak in mid-2006, oil production
is expected to remain strong since the price of oil still remains at a relatively
high level and global demand for oil is increasing. Also, although the North
American economy is slowing, it is also expected to continue moderate growth.
Greater per capita use of corrosion inhibitors in North America partly reflects
the large oil field production segment; this segment is far smaller in Western
Europe and almost nonexistent in Japan. As U.S. oil production declines, however,
an increasing share of U.S.-formulated corrosion-protection products for oil
field applications is being exported to newer oil fields in other world areas.
Another reason for the lower consumption of corrosion inhibitors in Europe
compared with the United States may be Europe’s stricter government regulations
in the water treatment segment, which limit the discharge of various chemicals.
Finally, estimated Western European consumption may not include all of the
sodium sulfite used in water treatment as an oxygen scavenger. Both Western
Europe and Japan exhibited a slight decrease in demand during 2002–2005
and are expected to grow less than 1% per year in 2005–2010.
Higher growth rates are expected in the developing regions. China is expected
to show the highest rate because of its rapid growth in industrial production,
strong oil production, and the government’s new focus on water resources
and announced investment in water treatment.
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