Corrosion

Corrosion of piping systems has been one of the important concerns for a long time. This is because corrosion not only endangers the piping infrastructure but also severely affects human health. Every year millions of dollars are spent in the US on various corrosion problem solutions. At Cannon Water, we specialize in the supply of various types of corrosion solutions sourced from trusted brands. Our collection features solutions that are proven to be effective in corrosion inhibition and are regularly ordered in large numbers. We can say with pride that our collection has helped us build a long list of happy and satisfied customers across the US.

Signs and Symptoms of Corrosion

Corrosion of piping systems can be easily observed in pipelines used for water transportation in boiler and cooling systems, and closed and open ring pipes. It is generally observed in pipes made of materials such as carbon steel, rustproof steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper. Copper corrosion and zinc corrosion are well known and their effects have been documented over the years. The following are signs and symptoms of corrosion in piping systems.

• Discolored Pipes: Bluish green staining is one of the most common symptoms of copper pipe corrosion. These are easily visible on showers, sinks, faucets, and various plumbing fixtures. This type of corrosion occurs when copper is dissolved in water. However, red stains are a common sight in steel and iron plumbing systems.
• Deep Pits: These are also one of the common symptoms of copper corrosion. You may also find little pinholes in pipes due to copper dissolution. Sometimes deep pits are formed due to copper dissolution. Although this may not add to significant amount of copper or iron or any toxic minerals to the water, they may perforate to the storage tank.
• Taste: Metallic taste is one of the most common symptoms of zinc corrosion. In some cases, cold water may taste bitter at the first use and its taste would improve later after continued use.
• Discolored Water: This is also one of the common symptoms of corrosion of piping systems. The first water that is drawn appears discolored or tinted. Sometimes, it may not be tinted yet may leave some coloration in the bathtub or sink or toilet tank.
• Clogged Pipes: Frequent pipe clogging can be one of the common symptoms of corrosion. This occurs when mineral deposits are built on the inside areas of pipes.

In addition to these, copper, cadmium, and lead are not detected easily in water. However, they are a cause of concern for home users. In many old homes, copper, lead, or cadmium may leach from corroding pipes into water. High concentrations of lead can affect the physical and mental development of children, and may also cause kidney and liver failure as well as intestinal, and high blood pressure problems in adults.  Knowing this, the U.S Environmental Agency (EPA) introduced Lead and Copper rules that require home owners to check their water for lead and copper at various locations and take the corrective steps accordingly.

Causes of Corrosion

Corrosion generally occurs when metal pipes come in direct contact with air to form oxides. A water molecule contains two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen, and this oxygen lends a corrosive characteristic to it. In addition to it, the following are a few common causes of corrosion:

• Chemical Corrosion: Low carbonate alkalinity, low pH, and high total dissolved solids, are common chemical factors causing corrosion.
• Physical Erosion: This is brought by factors such as high temperatures, utilizing under-sized pipes, and presence of grit or sand in water.
• Electric Currents: In advanced systems, pipes are connected to security alarm systems, motors, or other appliances. These systems are powered, and sometimes electrical currents straying from these systems can cause corrosion.
• Quality of Metal: Poor quality copper metal is also one of key cause of copper corrosion. Hence it is always important to choose quality pipes for water transportation applications.

Corrosion Problem Solutions Offered by Cannon Water Technologies

At Cannon Water Technologies, we provide the following types of corrosion problem solutions.

• Corrosion Coupons: These are the corrosion monitoring tools usually positioned in the flow line to check the material loss and percentage of corrosion. At Cannon Water, we provide corrosion coupons made of brass, carbon steel, copper, and so on. The coupons are used in pipes made of the same material. For instance, carbon steel coupons are used to measure corrosion in the pipes made of carbon steel. Sometimes, the coupons made of reactive materials such as aluminum and zinc are also used because they can produce response to the corrosion.
• Corrosion Inhibitors: These are chemicals that can inhibit corrosion of piping systems used in water and wastewater treatment applications. Copper pipe corrosion accelerates in pipe systems where hot water is transported more often. This is why we provide a wide range of corrosion inhibitors for boilers, heat exchangers, and closed system treatment.
• Water Testing Kits: As discussed before, increased pH values can also be a cause of corrosion in pipes, which is why we provide testing kits that can check the pH value of water.

At Cannon Water, we provide a broad range of water treatment solutions to meet your application requirements. Owing to their abundance and sometimes multipurpose use, the selection may get difficult. You can get in touch with our team today for gaining insights on these solutions and they will guide you through the right selection. After all, customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of our existence, and we are committed to deliver superior service in all conditions.