AWWA ACE63050

A novel, inexpensive, and real-time test to monitor copper pitting corrosion was developed. In a normal pipe, it is not possible to measure the electron flow or pitting current from the pit anode to the cathode. But a new method was developed that can sometimes form an active pit on the tip of a copper wire, which in turn, allows the pitting current to be measured. Preliminary experiments presented in this study have proven that this technique has promise in at least one water condition known to cause pitting. The method also quickly predicted that high levels of orthophosphate could stop pitting attack in this water, whereas low levels would tend to worsen pitting. Future research should be conducted to examine this technique in greater detail. Includes 30 references, tables, figure.