Stainless steel is protected from corrosion by a layer of chromium oxide. If the layer is damaged oxygen present in water can reform the oxide layer. If the water is still or de-oxygenated and the oxide layer is damaged, ions can corrode the stainless steel tank. If a water bath has been unused for some time, or water boiled, we recommend changing for fresh distilled water or correct de-ionised water.
Water normally contains calcium or magnesium ions. De-ionised water has most ions removed as indicated by its conductivity level; the purer the water the lower the conductivity. It is important to use only de-ionised water from an ion exchange system with replaceable cartridges. Do not use de-ionised water generated from an ion-exchange system that incorporates a salt back-flush system to regenerate the ion-exchange resin as this can leave sodium ions that are very corrosive to stainless steel.
