Causes of Corrosion

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The Causes of Corrosion

Moisture + Oxygen + Pipe = Rust
Corrosion is rust. All that is needed is moisture, ferrous metal, and oxygen. Sprinkler systems are made of metal, contain water (at least during testing), and water contains dissolved oxygen. Contributing factors include: water chemistry at a pH of below 8.5 and suspended or dissolved solids, which can increase the rate of corrosion. All the components are there to begin the corrosion process. In the past corrosion was not as much of a problem. Oxygen in the system was generally depleted in 10 to 18 months in wet systems, stopping the chemical reaction. Oxygen depletion kept corrosion to a minimum. Recently, as inspections increased to once, twice and even four times a year, new oxygenated water is introduced replenishing the oxygen supply. This increases the rate of corrosion and continues to generate the reaction. Dry systems are never completely dry. The moisture left behind feeds corrosion and the air which fill the pipes make oxygen plentiful. Refilling for inspections replenishes the supply of moisture, making corrosion a constant problem.

Thinner Pipes Have Less to Lose

Codes have changed and schedule 10 pipe is now being used instead of schedule 40. These thin wall pipes can begin to corrode and leak in as little as 18 months.

Bacteria Corrodes Pipe

The introduction of bacteria into the environment of the system presents even more problems. An anaerobic bacteria, living without the need for air, creates a condition called Microbiologically Induced Corrosion (MIC). As the bacteria consume organics the byproduct is H2S, hydrogen sulfide, a corrosive gas that breaks down the metal. Even worse is that the corrosion process can begin before you have control of the system. Construction sites are not the driest or cleanest places. Just look down a pipe and see the rust already forming.

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09/06/2011 23:48