COPPER PIPE EROSION CORROSION
COPPER PIPE EROSION CORROSION
(OP)
HELLO: Does anyone know of a research pare/test report/magazine artilce/ or something else that relates to the erosion corrosion rate of potable water flowing inside a damaged residential under slab copper pipe. i am trying to estimate (guess) the time required for the erosion corrosion. to wear through the damaged portion of then pipe. I realize this is a complex phenomena but I am hoping there is at least some data out there, even if it is old.
Thank you
Dave
Thank you
Dave





RE: COPPER PIPE EROSION CORROSION
I don't think it is possible to predict the rates at which domestic Cu water pipe/tubing will deteriorate a specific location. There are too many variables.
Can you give a little information on your leak so you might be able to get a little better guidance for a possible time frame.
If you are using a municipal water supply I would contact the authority in charge and quiz them (the technical side) about your problems.
If your water supply is private well see if a local water authority will analyze it for you or recommend someone who can. Consult with whoever does the analysis on how to sample the water.
RE: COPPER PIPE EROSION CORROSION
Not knowing about the specific damage, as to how much it reduces the flow area, if you can approximate it, then do a velocity calculation, to see if it exceeds the recommended velocity limit for the tubing.
Second, what is the "on time" of the flow? Is this like most residences, where the actual flow is high during the post breakfast bathroom rush, showers, clothes washing, and then off for the rest of the time, or is it for something that is flowing all the time, like an irrigation system, etc attached to the house.
I suspect that if it is a normal residential situation, that it will be a long time before the water erodes the pipe, unless, of course, there is some sand or other abrasive material in the water.
rmw
RE: COPPER PIPE EROSION CORROSION
I am looking for research papers/test reports/articles that are relative to or address the time required for erosion corrosion to wear through a damaged section of copper pipe. I am sure that, if they exist, these papers would date back 30 to 50, or more years.
Thank you
Dave
RE: COPPER PIPE EROSION CORROSION
The problem with erosion of copper in drinking water is that it is very sensitive to the shear from flow and water chemistry. The old papers have some actual shear vs metal loss curves.
Just a gut feel, I would guess that if you had a copper tubed crimped 20-30% it would shorten the life from >50 years down to <10 years.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be slowed down.
RE: COPPER PIPE EROSION CORROSION
RE: COPPER PIPE EROSION CORROSION