Abstract:
Internal water pipe corrosion is a complicated problem due to the interaction of water quality parameters with
the pipe wall. This study presents investigations of internal pipe surface corrosion mechanisms related to water
physicochemical. Samples of water and corrosion-damaged ductile cast iron (30+ years) and galvanized steel pipe
(15–20 years) were collected under in-situ condition from Addis Ababa city water distribution system. Scanning
electron microscopy and optical microscopy were used to examine the pipes’ corrosion morphology and micro structures, respectively. Additionally, Mountains 9 surface analysis software was used for further pitting corrosion
characterization.To identify the causes of internal pipe corrosion, water physicochemical analyses were conducted
by using inoLab pH 7310P, DR 900, Palintest Photometer 7100, and Miero 800. Water physicochemical test indi cates: CaCO3
is 77–215 ppm, pH is 7.05 – 7.86, total dissolved solids (TDS) is 84.10–262.8 ppm, ClO2
is 0–0.5
ppm, and dissolved oxygen (80–81 ppb). From water test results, major causes of internal pipe corrosion damage
mechanisms were identified as dissolved oxygen, CaCO3
, TDS, ClO2,and resistivity of water which initiates a dif ferential cell that accelerates pipe corrosion. Using Mountain 9 surface analysis software, corrosion morphology
and pitting features were characterized. The outputs of this paper will be helpful for water distribution and buried
infrastructure owners to investigate corrosion damage mechanisms at an early stage. To manage corrosion mecha nisms, water supply owners need to conduct frequent inspections, recording of pipe data, testing of water quality,
periodic pipelines washing, and apply preventative maintenance.
