Theory of Copper and Copper Alloy Corrosion by Water

This article deals with fundamental theories, mechanisms and causative factors in the corrosion of copper and its alloys in water. Controlled laboratory studies on corrosion of copper by absolutely pure water and effects of dissolved oxygen and certain common ions are reported. Results of test programs for determining rate of corrosion and fundamental laboratory studies on actual mechanisms of copper corrosion are summarized. An extensive pilot-plant test program on copper and copper alloy tubes, employing several types of water, is reviewed and significance of temperature and velocity on corrosion rate of copper and its alloys is covered. Effects of oxygen and carbon dioxide in fundamental corrosion reactions of copper are also considered. 6.3.6, 4.6.6