Study of corrosion of copper in industrial cooling systems
International Journal of Structural Integrity
ISSN: 1757-9864
Article publication date: 5 October 2015
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to perform the evaluation of copper susceptibility to corrosion in industrial cooling systems. Microstructure and defects of copper are observed, while divergences from optimum structure are discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
Various types of corrosion are examined. Electrochemical techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarisation are applied in these materials, using corrosion inhibitors. Microscopic observations and electrochemical measurements are interpreted according to possible mechanistic scenarios.
Findings
It is evident that, under specific conditions (e.g. high pH), water cooling ingredients can enhance corrosion, leading to significant copper mass loss from the inner surface of the pipe and thus leading to failure.
Originality/value
Evaluation of copper corrosion in cooling industrial systems was done, as well as studies of copper corrosion in sodium chloride.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
C.A. Charitidis, I.A. Kartsonakis and E.P. Koumoulos acknowledge the financial support of the research project “SELF-HEALING NANOMATERIALS FOR PROTECTION OF METAL ALLOYS”, CODE 3456 & ACRONYM: “SHELL”, for the National Action “ARISTEIA” of the Operational Program “Education and Lifelong Learning”, by the European Union - European Social Fund (ESF) and National Funds through the Operational Program “Education and Lifelong Learning” (ELL).
Citation
Kartsonakis, I.A., Koumoulos, E.P., Karantonis, A., Charitidis, C.A., Dessypris, S. and Monos, A. (2015), "Study of corrosion of copper in industrial cooling systems", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 6 No. 5, pp. 617-635. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSI-10-2013-0039
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited