Failure Analysis of Copper Pipe in a Sprinkler System

13 Failure Analysis of Copper Pipe in a Sprinkler System 

Two type of copper piping, namely straight sections and T-sections, were examined for the forms of corrosion present in the samples. The water samples and the corrosion products were tested for microbiological activity. 

The T-sections were free from pitting and the inside surface was clean. The water samples and the corrosion products were analyzed for microbiological activity. The water contained significant amount of iron-reducing biological activity. 

Significant microbiologically induced corrosion due to the presence of bacteria in the water is evidenced by saucer-shaped pits, smooth sided pits, bright shiny copper to matte red clean areas. The black deposits, corrosion products from carbon steel, may cause underdeposit corrosion and may cause the failure. Treatment of the water with biocide may minimize microbiologically induced corrosion. 

---