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Hidden threats in water pipes: Why is corrosion control so important for our tap water?
In modern urban life, tap water is an indispensable part of our daily lives. However, not all tap water is safe, especially in environments where corrosion is present. Corrosion not only affects the life of water pipes, but may also cause harmful metals such as lead and copper to enter the drinking water system, posing a threat to human health.
Due to age and disrepair, many water pipe systems face serious problems such as softening and corrosion. These problems not only affect water quality, but may also cause safety hazards.
The importance of corrosion control is to prevent the metal in water pipes from being corroded, and this is where corrosion inhibitors enter their stage. These chemical compounds can be added to water to reduce the contact of metal with water, thereby reducing the occurrence of corrosion. Optimal corrosion control measures are based on water pH, buffering capacity and hardness, all of which directly affect the rate of corrosion.
There are many corrosion control methods for tap water, including direct pH adjustment, adding phosphates or silicates as alternative corrosion inhibitors, or adding bicarbonate for buffering. The purpose of these methods is to create a protective film that prevents the metal from coming into contact with potentially corrosive substances.
For example, orthophosphate is often used in tap water treatment systems to prevent the dissolution of lead and copper and to reduce the content of harmful ions in the water. Protects the metal parts of water pipes by converting any leached ions into a calcium salt scale layer. This kind of treatment can greatly extend the service life of water pipes in the long term.
However, phosphate-type inhibitors may cause downstream eutrophication problems or directly stimulate algae growth in uncovered, water treatment-incorporated reservoirs.
Previous water pollution incidents, such as the 2014 Flint water crisis, were caused by changes in water sources and the lack of effective corrosion control measures. In this incident, the new high chloride to sulfate mass ratio water not only removed the lead and iron in the pipes, but also destroyed the lead-containing rust layer that had previously adhered to the inside of the pipes, allowing it to enter the water source. leading to large-scale water quality problems.
In industrial applications, corrosion inhibitors are also widely used in coolants, fuels and engine oils to prevent corrosion of metal components. These inhibitors provide protection against a wide range of corrosive media, especially in environments where strength and stability are required. These applications not only protect equipment, but also reduce maintenance costs and even increase work efficiency.
The use of corrosion inhibitors can bring long-lasting benefits to our daily lives and industrial production, but choosing the right products and application methods is crucial.
In many cases, mixed inhibitors can act simultaneously on the cathode and the anode, providing dual protection for metal surfaces. For example, benzoxazole is used to inhibit corrosion and discoloration of copper. The choice of these compounds will depend on operating conditions such as operating temperature and water quality characteristics.
At the same time, in addition to the application of corrosion inhibitors in water treatment systems, many fuel additives are also added to aviation and automotive fuels to improve their lubricity and anti-corrosion properties. For example, DCI series additives can not only improve the lubricity of fuel, but also reduce engine wear.
With water health and safety in mind, the development of corrosion control technologies and methods has become a key element of public health. Just as we use some water treatment products available on the market in our daily lives, in addition to economic and efficiency issues, environmental and health impacts also require sufficient attention.
So, when we enjoy tap water, should we also be more concerned about the source and the potential risks hidden behind it?
