Study of corrosion of copper in industrial cooling systems

摘要

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.