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Effect of alkalinity on copper corrosion

Conference ·
OSTI ID:82767
;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States). Dept. of Civil Engineering

The effect of lime/CO{sub 2} treatment on copper corrosion was examined in Boulder tap water using a variety of techniques including electrochemical accelerated aging, conventional aging, electrochemical corrosion rate analysis and copper byproduct release. At pH 7.2 (the unaltered pH of Boulder tap water), a critical alkalinity range of {>=} 100 mg/l alkalinity as CaCO{sub 3} was identified in which corrosion rates and copper byproduct release greatly increased. For higher pH values ({>=}7.8), corrosion rates and byproduct release were much reduced. An analysis of data from a national survey of large utilities showed nearly identical trends as those found for Boulder tap water. Copper solubility experiments suggested that soluble copper concentrations may be controlled by cupric hydroxide (Cu(OH){sub 2}).

OSTI ID:
82767
Report Number(s):
CONF-940789--; ISBN 0-7844-0031-8
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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