Physico-chemical Characteristics of Corrosion Scales from Different Pipes in Drinking Water Distribution Systems

Corrosion scales formed on iron pipe surfaces are an important factor defining water quality in drinking water distribution systems, since they would release contaminants and cause water discoloration at transient hydrodynamic regimes. Consequently, characterization of corrosion scales is indispensable to water quality protection. In this study, corrosion products were carefully collected from three old, corroded iron pipes made of different materials and exposed to different water qualities and operation conditions. Physico-chemical characteristics of these scales were determined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Testing results show that scale characteristics, including micromorphology, porosity and composition, vary significantly due to different pipe materials, water qualities and hydraulic conditions. Zinc coatings in galvanized pipes contribute to metal corrosion prevention, while attention should be paid to zinc release. High corrosive surface water facilitates the formation of developed corrosion tubercles, in which the compact shell-like layer conduces to maintain the structural stability of corrosion scales under disturbance. Structural breaks and low-velocity zones in water distribution systems might be in high potential of contaminant release, since the inhomogeneous materials and unusual hydraulic conditions would result in unstable scale characteristics