Bromine in your AC strainer

[Offshore]

re you using Bromine in your AC strainer or something else

 

[fryedaze]

We use Bromine tablets in the AC strainer and copper pipe fittings in the engine strainer. Can't really say if it works or not.

 

[Offshore]

But copper oxidizes quickly and becomes useless. Why not Bromine in the main and gen strainers ?

 

[fryedaze]

I haven't read anything on putting it in engine strainers

 

[Offshore]

Why not ?
Good for the AC, good for the others ?

 

[HeadedToTexas]

Copper is toxic to invertebrates and that is the intent of putting copper fittings in strainers. A little copper dissolves (or is corroded) from the fittings and the copper ions circulating through the engine or condenser or heat exchanger help keep invertebrates like barnacles from growing.

Bromine is an oxidizer like bleach. The intent of using bromine tablets in strainers is to oxidize the tissues of invertebrates like barnacles to keep them from growing. For better or worse, metals like steel also oxidize in a process called rusting. Oxygen is an oxidizer, but you can’t do much about that. Bromine you add to your strainer increases the rate that steel oxidizes. Bromine is not as strong an oxidizer as chlorine, but it has an impact. Question is, which is worse, barnacles or long term impact on steel?

The same question applies to copper fittings in strainers as the copper ions are also corrosive to steel. Which is worse? Personal question, I suppose, as everyone’s experience and situation is different.