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Copper pitting in chlorinated, high‐pH potable water
Author(s) -
Sarver Emily,
Dodson Kara,
Scardina R. Paolo,
LattyakSlabaugh Rebecca,
Edwards Marc,
Nguyen Caroline
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8833.2011.tb11423.x
Subject(s) - potable water , erosion corrosion of copper water tubes , chlorine , copper , pitting corrosion , alkalinity , pinhole (optics) , piping , environmental science , water quality , corrosion , environmental chemistry , environmental engineering , metallurgy , materials science , chemistry , ecology , physics , organic chemistry , optics , biology
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.