This research evaluated corrosion and scale deposition in steel and copper pipe sections from apartment complexes located in Rhode Island (RI), Massachusetts (MA), and Maryland (MD). Piping samples from these locations had corroded at an accelerated rate and consisted of HVAC piping, and domestic copper pipes. Pipes were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to quantify the elemental composition of the samples. The water chemistry of each system was compared to the elemental data to determine correlations. Particular elements from the EDS analysis in comparison to the water quality parameters, Langelier Saturation Index, and Larson Skold indices exhibited inverse and direct correlations. The deposition of corrosion product and scales occurred in all systems that had implemented corrosion control in the form of pH adjustment and inhibitors to prevent infrastructure degradation. Although measures were taken to prevent corrosion, the current practices were not effective at the current dosing rate showing that the municipalities could consider other options such phosphate blend inhibitors and lime as effective corrosion control mechanisms.

Creator

• Prasad, Harsha

Contributors

• Bergendahl, John Andrew
• Dudle, Jeanine

Degree

• MS

Unit

• Civil & Environmental Engineering

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Language

• English

Identifier

• etd-042816-134540

Keyword

• Water Quality
• Corrosion
• SEM EDS

Advisor

• Plummer, Jeanine D.

Committee

• Bergendahl, John

Defense date

• 2016-04-26

Year

• 2016

Date created

• 2016-04-28

Resource type

• Thesis

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-08-10