MICROBIOLOGICALLY INDUCED CORROSION OF COPPER PIPING SYSTEM - FAILURE ANALYSIS

摘要

Results of a failure analysis of a copper pipe sample which was removed from a domestic hot waterrnsystem are presented. The failed piping was in service for 12 years. The pipe failed due to extensive wallrnthinning which led to through-wall perforation. The corrosion products/deposits on the affected ID surfacesrnwere rich in iron. No sulfur was detected on the examined ID surfaces; however, the damage was attributed tornthe presence of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB). The morphology of the corroded surface was examinedrnemploying scanning electron microscopy/X-ray energy dispersive analysis, stereomicroscopy and optical metallographicrntechniques.