simultaneous loss of chromate, it is most economical to employ the lowest concentration of chromate which effectively inhibits corrosion. It is better, however, to employ too much than not enough, since excess chromate not only increases the safe limit of salt concentration but in general reduces the amount of chromate consumed in the protection of metal surfaces. For this reason it is best to start the chromate treatment with a comparatively high concentration, 500 to 1000 p.p.m., and gradually reduce the amount of chromate over a period of months to the lowest concentration at which the particular installation is effectively protected against corrosion.