Explanation of tuberculation scales formation in steel and iron pipes using the theory of wave motion of a liquid

Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (National Research University), Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, 129337 Yaroslavskoe shosse 26, Moscow, Russia

^* Corresponding author: alexei-waterlab@yandex.ru

Abstract

Electrochemical corrosion of steel and iron pipes in water supply systems is a common problem that causes financial losses to operating companies and deteriorates water quality. A comprehensive study of corrosion deposits formation mechanism is necessary for a better understanding of the processes occurring in pipelines and for scientific justification of monitoring and predicting techniques. The influence of various factors (in particular the water flow velocity) on the formation, growth, and spatial distribution of tuberculation scales on the inner surface of pipes is considered. To study the effect of flow velocity, simple serial tests were carried out on segments of a steel non-galvanized pipe in static and dynamic conditions. The difference in the formation of anode and cathode sections in two dynamic modes is recognized. The first stage of tubercle formation is observed. It was assumed that in pipes with turbulent water flow near metal surface, waves forming tubercles are appeared, and the distribution of the tubercles is depend on water flow velocity.