Monitor, React and Prevent Corrosion

This free online CPD course from BESA Academy is presented by Gordon Pringle of HASL and explores corrosion in heating and cooling systems. The course dispels myths around precision carbon steel, explains the many forms of corrosion, and demonstrates how it can be controlled to very low levels even without the use of chemical inhibitors.

This course is free of charge and CIBSE accredited for CPD. Download your certificate on completion.

What You Will Learn

This 45-minute course covers:

• The different forms of corrosion found in heating and cooling systems
• Why corrosion occurs and the factors that accelerate it
• How to monitor corrosion levels and identify problems early
• Strategies to control and prevent corrosion, including non-chemical methods
• Common myths around carbon steel pipework and corrosion protection
• Best practices for system design, commissioning, and maintenance to minimise corrosion risk

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is suitable for heating and plumbing engineers responsible for system design or installation, facilities and maintenance professionals managing heating and cooling systems, building services consultants and specifiers, water treatment specialists, and anyone involved in the commissioning, operation, or troubleshooting of closed-loop heating and chilled water systems.

Why Corrosion Control Matters

Corrosion in heating and cooling systems causes leaks, reduces efficiency, damages components, and leads to costly downtime and repairs. Despite the availability of good standards and guidance, waterside corrosion remains a common problem across the industry.

Understanding the causes of corrosion and how to control it through proper design, commissioning, and monitoring is essential for ensuring long-term system performance and reliability.

The Benefits of This Course

Completing this course will help you:

• Understand the different types of corrosion and how they occur
• Monitor and react to corrosion problems before they cause serious damage
• Apply corrosion prevention strategies including non-chemical methods
• Design and commission systems that minimise corrosion risk
• Reduce maintenance costs and extend system life
• Earn CIBSE-accredited CPD to support your professional development

Course Format

Duration: 45 minutes
Format: 100% online, self-paced
Assessment: Knowledge check questions at the end of the course
Certification: CPD certificate available to download on completion
Accreditation: CIBSE accredited
Cost: Free of charge

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes corrosion in heating and cooling systems?
Corrosion typically occurs when oxygen, contaminants, or poor water quality interact with metal components within the system. Factors such as incorrect system design, inadequate commissioning, or poor maintenance can accelerate corrosion and lead to system damage.

What types of corrosion can occur in closed-loop systems?
Common types include oxygen corrosion, galvanic corrosion, microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), and erosion corrosion. Each type has different causes and requires appropriate monitoring and prevention strategies.

How can corrosion be detected early in a system?
Corrosion can be identified through monitoring techniques such as water testing, corrosion monitoring devices, inspection of system components, and analysis of system debris or sludge. Early detection allows corrective action before significant damage occurs.

Can corrosion be controlled without chemical inhibitors?
Yes. While chemical inhibitors are commonly used, corrosion can also be controlled through proper system design, oxygen control, effective filtration, good hydraulic balance, and continuous monitoring of system conditions.

Who should take this course?
This course is suitable for heating engineers, plumbing professionals, building services designers, consultants, facilities managers, water treatment specialists, and maintenance teams responsible for heating and cooling system performance.

How long does the course take to complete?
The course takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. It is delivered online and can be taken at your own pace, allowing you to fit the training around your work schedule.

Is this course accredited for CPD?
Yes. The course is accredited by CIBSE for continuing professional development (CPD), helping professionals maintain and demonstrate their technical competence.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes. After successfully completing the course and the knowledge check questions, you will be able to download a CPD certificate confirming your participation.