The effect of chemical composition of water on corrosion problems in plant

Abstract

Introduction Demineralised oxygen‐free water with a pH of 7–8 is practically non‐corrosive to most metals, but the range of water compositions that we more commonly meet in water supply and in cooling water systems are all corrosive to a greater or less extent and the metals with which we use them are all corrodible. The extent to which significant corrosion occurs depends upon the combination of metal and water composition concerned and is determined principally by the protective properties of the corrosion products and scale deposits that form on the metal in service. Corrosion may result in (a) thinning of the metal leading to perforation or to mechanical failure; (b) localised pitting attack causing perforation; (c) obstruction or blockage of pipes or valves by corrosion products and (d) contamination of the water by slight metal dissolution. The last is of importance principally in potable and process water supplies but pick‐up of small amounts of copper can result in the water becoming very much more corrosive towards galvanized steel and aluminium if it comes in contact with them subsequently.

Citation

Campbell, H.S. (1980), "The effect of chemical composition of water on corrosion problems in plant", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 4-5. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb007136