Typical Failures of CuNi 90/10 Seawater Tubing Systems and How to Avoid Them

For many decades, copper-nickel alloy CuNi 90/10 (UNS C70600) has extensively been used as a piping material for seawater systems in shipbuilding, offshore, and desalination industries. Attractive characteristics of this alloy combine excellent resistance to uniform corrosion, re-markable resistance to localised corrosion in chlorinated seawater, and higher erosion resistance than other copper alloys and steel. Furthermore, CuNi 90/10 is resistant to biofouling providing various economic benefits. In spite of the appropriate properties of the alloy, instances of failure have been experienced in practice. The reasons are mostly attributed to the composition and production of CuNi 90/10 productscompounds, occurrence of erosion-corrosion and corrosion damage in polluted waters. This paper covers important areas which have to be considered to ensure successful application of the alloy for seawater tubing. For this purpose, the optimum and critical operating conditions are evaluated. It includes metallurgical, design and fabrication considerations. For the preven-tion of erosion-corrosion, the importance of hydrodynamics is demonstrated. In addition, com-missioning, shut-down and start-up measures are compiled that are necessary for the establish-ment and re-establishment of the protective layer