The set of factors affecting metal corrosion can be divided into two main categories: environmental factors and intrinsic factors of the metal.

Corrosion in steam generation systems causes many problems in refineries, gas plants and petrochemical plants. Corrosion in boilers is a function of the concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide and ammonia and the way these species are controlled, and in some cases is caused by the presence of hydroxide and chloride anions or high concentrations of chelating chemicals in the boiler water.

Boiler systems encounter two gases, oxygen and carbon dioxide, dissolved in the water entering them during their working process. The presence of these gases causes corrosion in boilers and heating systems and will disable the device in the long term. Usually, dissolved oxygen in water is removed in two ways, physically and chemically.