COPPER CORROSION


l Monitoring using coupons and measurement of dissolved metals in the water may prove a suitable means of tracking efficacy of protective measures. Verification of lead levels is typically conducted, as a means of verification of safety of installation (heavy metals consideration).


CETEC has worked alongside major healthcare facilities to assist with implementing the copper oxide deposition process. These facilities used the steps of pre-cleaning of pipe work to avoid oxide layer disruption, application of 1-2 ppm chlorine levels within potable water, application of careful filtration, and application of routine flushing. Some facilities have delayed the implementation of the hyperchlorination process required under AS3500, until the oxide layer is in place, typically 3-4 weeks, while carefully maintaining 1-2 ppm free chlorine at the outlet measuring points. This process is ongoing, although, according to current research, has reduced the risk of copper pipe damage. Site measurement of flow velocities


would be conducted when facilities enter operational phase. CETEC will often conduct this using non-intrusive flow monitoring.


Conclusion A clear understanding of the importance of maintaining the copper oxide layer from installation to decommissioning is recommended. Training personnel prior to installation is critical to ensure a reduced risk of damage of pipe work from commencement. Research discusses pin hole formation, and outlines that pits are formed typically at the facility’s commencement of service. Such research outlines that pit or pinholes will likely appear within 6-8 years17 from construction. Once the pin hole begins to form, the turbulence caused resists the redevelopment of the protective oxide layer. Hence the pit propagates further into the material. Since no effective means (based on


research) exists to halt pit propagation, their formation should be avoided where possible. This requires careful design and consideration of all factors not limited to only those presented.


References 1 bcicentral.com/blog/healthcare- construction-sector-snapshot-report-in- australia.


2 researchgate.net/profile/Shaheen-Mehtar/ publication/5779438_The_antimicrobial_ activity_of_copper.


3 sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/


S0043135416300318.


4 reddit.com/r/maintenance/comments/ 1ho6in3/flooding_inside_duke_hospital_in_ durham_north.


5 https://www.waterquality.gov.au/introduction. 6 https://www.ispatguru.com/basic-concepts- of-corrosion-of-iron-and-steel.


7 The analytical control of anti-corrosion water treatment; Journal of American Water Works Association, V28; W F Langelier; 1946.


8 A new index for determining amount of scale formed in water; Journal of the American Water Works Association, 1949.


9 Laboratory studies relating Mineral Quality of water to Corrosion of Steel and Cast Iron; Illinois State Water Survey (1958).


10 Corrosion of Copper Pipe in Australian Drinking Waters, WSAA Materials Fact Sheet No.05.


11 enHealth Guidelines; 2015. 12 https://fractory.com/copper-corrosion. 13 Virginia Tech, study commissioned by WSSC, December 2004.


IFHE


14 Journal AWWA, August 2001, Vol. 93, No. 8, pp. 82–91.


15 Copper Tube Handbook; Copper Development Association Inc; 2024; p15.


16 https://www.totalmateria.com/en- us/articles/corrosion-off-copper-and- copper-alloys.


17 https://www.nuflowmidwest.com/why-10- year-old-copper-pipes-start-to-develop- pinhole-leaks.


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