Quality concentrate manufacturers are familiar with the design of proportioning equipment (often made with brass components) and design their concentrates to be compatible with the equipment. Beware of low cost products – haphazardly manufactured to beat the market. These low cost products often either produce poor foam or can be corrosive to the proportioning as well as general plumbing equipment. Some system manufacturers may even void equipment warranties if a customer uses non-recommended concentrate products. Insure your department follows manufacturer’s recommendations.
Corrosivity is not limited to brass. Concentrates can also be troublesome for steel, including elbows, piping, screws/bolts and valve components. Concentrates can react negatively with finished, billit and/or pot metals.
It is crucial to carefully read the SDS prior to using a product.
If the SDS does not mention corrosivity, you can perform simple evaluations your self – see the Performance Evaluation – DIY page for details.
A few photos of possible corrosion in and around concentrate pumps!!
