A Study to Determine the Mechanisms of Corrosion of Copper Alloys in Sulfide-Polluted Seawater.

摘要

As part of a continuing program to determine the mechanisms of corrosion of copper-nickel alloys in sulfide-polluted seawater, the investigators have conducted flow loop experiments, using unpolluted aerated seawater, and also rotating cylinder experiments, using seawater contaminated with various sulfur- containing species. The series of flow loop experiments were performed to obtain baseline corrosion rates for copper-nickel alloys under carefully controlled hydrodynamic and mass transfer conditions. This loop will also be used later in the program to measure corrosion rates in seawater polluted with sulfur-containing species. The series of rotating cylinder experiments were performed to rapidly determine the relative corrosivities of seawater containing sulfide, oxygen, or sulfide oxidation products (including elemental sulfur). The latter tests will define the most relevant seawater pollutants to be used in subsequent flow loop experiments. Neither series of tests have been completed yet, but progress is summarized, together with preliminary conclusions.