Copper pitting in chlorinated, high-pH potable water

Copper pitting corrosion in potable water systems poses economic and environmental problems associated with pinhole leaks. In the laboratory it has proven difficult to reproduce the precise conditions that create pinholes; to date, aggressive water quality (i.e., chlorinated water of high pH and low...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal - American Water Works Association 2011-03, Vol.103 (3), p.86-98
Main Authors: SARVER, EMILY, DODSON, KARA, SCARDINA, R. PAOLO, LATTYAK-SLABAUGH, REBECCA, EDWARDS, MARC, NGUYEN, CAROLINE
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alkalinity
Aluminum
Chemistry
Chlorine
Control loops
Copper
Corrosion
Drinking water
Flow velocity
Hardness
Inspections
Laboratories
Phosphates
Pipes
Pitting
Plumbing Systems
Potable water
Silica
Studies
Test methods
Water quality
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Summary:Copper pitting corrosion in potable water systems poses economic and environmental problems associated with pinhole leaks. In the laboratory it has proven difficult to reproduce the precise conditions that create pinholes; to date, aggressive water quality (i.e., chlorinated water of high pH and low alkalinity) is the only cause that has been replicated as it occurs in potable water systems. Pitting in this type of water is accelerated with higher chlorine, flow velocities, and durations and is inhibited by high levels of silica and phosphate. Although only results from forensic testing (e.g., pipe loops) can be interpreted with complete confidence, the numerous limitations of such testing might be overcome via complementary studies using sophisticated electrochemical methods once aggressive waters are identified. Under worst‐case conditions, pipe loops can reproducibly create pitting in relatively short times and on very short copper tubes.
ISSN:0003-150X
1551-8833
DOI:10.1002/j.1551-8833.2011.tb11423.x