UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

DEPARTMENT OF MATERIAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

MTEN 416: CORROSION AND CORROSION CONTROL

GROUP 10
TOPIC: CORROSION IN PORTABLE WATER DELIVERY
MEMBERS: GILBERT AGBEVE, REBECCA ADJEI AND MARY
COBBINA.
 CORROSION IN PORTABLE WATER DELIVERY

Corrosion in water systems

The reliability and total longevity of a water system, including the distribution pipework and any
related plant and equipment, can be impacted by metal loss brought on by corrosion.
Equipment failure and increased maintenance costs are two effects of corrosion in water
systems(Corrosion in Water Systems | Water Treatment Services, n.d.). It can also cause the
system to cease functioning properly, cause deposits to accumulate, impair heat transfer
efficiency, and restrict water flow.
Types of metals and alloys used in water delivery systems
The water delivery system's performance may be significantly impacted by the material choice
made for the piping. Copper, stainless steel, and different polymers, such as cross-link
polyethylene (PE-X), thermoplastic (ABS), medium-density and barrier polyethylene (MDPE),
polybutylene, and multilayer pipe, are materials that are frequently used for potable water
supply pipework(Materials for Potable Water – CIBSE Journal, n.d.). Despite their diversity,
these materials all share traits like non-toxicity and built-in corrosion resistance. Additionally,
copper has long been the preferred material since it is a natural substance with no known
health risks and is non-permeable, or not absorbing anything that comes into contact with it,
further reducing the chance of contamination.

Figure 0.1: bismuth alloy pipe

Figure 0.2: Copper pipes

Mechanism of corrosion in water delivery systems

Corrosion mechanisms are intricate and rely on many interconnected factors. These include the
materials used in construction, the type and concentration of dissolved gases, the type and
concentration of dissolved minerals in the water (or absence thereof in the case of highly pure
water), water temperature, and water velocity. These elements interact in complex ways to
result in different types of corrosion(Fundamentals of Corrosion Control in Water Distribution
Systems - Yamatho Supply LLC, n.d.).
Most metals corrode due to the action of dissolved oxygen. As dissolved oxygen concentrations
rise, iron and steel corrosion rates rise as well. Also, when carbon dioxide gas is dissolved in
water, carbonic acid is created. This reduces pH, which encourages general pipe system
corrosion.
Types of corrosion in water delivery systems
In order to solve the problems before they get out of hand, it can be helpful to understand the
many forms of corrosion that can happen in a water system and what causes them. The types
of corrosion that occur on water systems are:
 1. Galvanic Corrosion- A chemical reaction between two metals in a solution that
functions as a conductor causes galvanic corrosion.
Figure 0.3: Example of Galvanic corrosion

2. Pitting Corrosion- Pitting corrosion happens when a metal surface has a few
concentrated, localized areas of corrosion while the rest of the surface is unaffected.

Figure 0.4: Example of pitting corrosion

 3. Erosion-corrosion in water systems- The combination of abrasion and corrosion caused
by the movement of water across the system.

Figure 0.5: Example of erosion corrosion

4. Under-deposit corrosion- It is a form of localized corrosion that takes place in a

protected space, such a crevice. Any trapped solution starts to concentrate behind the
deposit and gets ever more corrosive with time.

Figure 0.6: example of under deposit corrosion

 5. Microbiologically influenced corrosion- Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC),
also known as corrosion induced predominantly by bacteria such as pseudomonas,
sulfate-reducing bacteria, and nitrite-reducing bacteria, is the term used to describe all
types of corrosion in water systems.

Figure 0.7: example of microbe Induced corrosion

Testing For Corrosion In Water Systems

Ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, and magnetic flux leakage are typical nondestructive
testing (NDT) techniques used to find corrosion in water delivery systems. A monitoring
program can be complemented by other approaches and processes such as risk-based
inspection and fitness-for-service evaluations(Corrosion Monitoring | Inspectioneering, n.d.).
Figure 0.8: NDT PERFORMED ON WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM

Impact of corrosion of water delivery systems

 Pipe corrosion eventually leads to joint failure and leakage. This issue has been reported
in newly installed copper plumbing systems that develop a wave of pinhole leaks a few
months after being installed. Due to the development of sulfate-reducing bacteria that
corrode the pipe when the water stands still in anaerobic (lack of oxygen) conditions,
other systems, such as fire prevention grids, fail. Prior to the pipe failing and causing
expensive water damage to the surrounding area, many potential issues go unnoticed.
 Corrosion byproducts can form deposits that limit water flow. The internal diameter of
the pipe is reduced by iron oxides (rust) and severe tuberculation in older black iron and
galvanized steel piping systems, which reduces water flow and thus increases pump
horsepower. These insoluble substances might be carried by the water to locations far
from the actual site of the corrosion, where they foul heat exchangers, valves, and
fittings.
Corrosion control methods in water delivery systems

 Cathodic Protection - An electrical current is used in this corrosion control technique.

By neutralizing the rust, this prevents it from getting worse. Underground or
submerged pipelines typically use cathodic protection. It has the potential to
completely stop corrosion from developing in a new pipeline.
 Corrosion Inhibitors- Corrosion inhibitors are an additional choice for corrosion
protection strategies. Pipelines are filled with substances using this technique. By
putting a thin layer of substance on the interior, they can stop corrosion from
happening.
 Abrasive Blasting - Abrasive blasting with a powerful machine is used to combat
corrosion. A particular substance is thrown at a pipeline by the machine.
 Coatings and Linings - One of the simplest methods to prevent corrosion in your pipes is
with chemical coatings. Both above-ground and underground pipelines can utilize
coatings and linings. Cathodic protection is frequently employed in conjunction with
them.(5 Pipeline Corrosion Protection Methods You Must Know, n.d.)

Figure 9: CATHODIC PROTECTION

 REFERENCES
5 Pipeline Corrosion Protection Methods You Must Know. (n.d.). Retrieved August 29, 2022,
from https://www.dynagard.info/5-pipeline-corrosion-protection-methods-must-know/
Corrosion in Water Systems | Water Treatment Services. (n.d.). Retrieved August 27, 2022, from
https://watertreatmentservices.co.uk/corrosion-water-systems/
Corrosion Monitoring | Inspectioneering. (n.d.). Retrieved August 29, 2022, from
https://inspectioneering.com/tag/corrosion+monitoring
Fundamentals of Corrosion Control in Water Distribution Systems - Yamatho Supply LLC. (n.d.).
Retrieved August 28, 2022, from
https://www.yamathosupply.com/blogs/news/fundamentals-of-corrosion-control-in-
water-distribution-systems
Materials for potable water – CIBSE Journal. (n.d.). Retrieved August 27, 2022, from
https://www.cibsejournal.com/uncategorized/potable-water/