Phosphates Protect – In order to inhibit corrosion in metal pipes of the water distribution network, the pipes need cleaned. When scale flakes off the pipe, a lead or copper contamination source is created.
Additionally, scale, tuberculation, and biofilm must be removed.
Once clean, the phosphate will apply a protective coating (as shown above) to passivate the metal surface. New piping also requires treatment to inhibit the onset of corrosion. PVC pipes do not corrode, however, this process does foster the growth of biofilm. The proper phosphate blend will prevent biofilm formation that causes an increase in chlorine demand in the distribution system.
Understanding The Chemistry
In Simple Terms – Corrosion happens when dissolved oxygen or chlorine disinfectant reacts with elemental iron, lead or copper in the water distribution pipes. The corrosion then flakes off and enters the water distribution pipe to reach the home and tap. Elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water can pose serious health risks in children and adults.
From An Environmental Engineer – “The distribution system acts like a geochemical reactor, there are miles and miles of pipes—some iron, copper, and lead—that get corroded. Utilities treat their water to maintain a mineral crust on the inside surfaces of their pipes. This so-called passivation layer protects the pipes’ metal from oxidants in the water. The coatings consist, in part, of insoluble oxidized metal compounds produced as the pipe slowly corrodes. If the water’s chemistry isn’t optimized, then the passivation layer may start to dissolve, or mineral particles may begin to flake off of the pipe’s crust. This exposes bare metal, allowing the iron, lead, or copper to oxidize and leach into the water.” – Haizhou Liu, University of California, Riverside.
What’s The Answer?
Aulick Custom Blended Phosphates – Care was taken during the development of the Verus line regarding its versatility with respect to pH. This is due to variation in pH of water during processing and independent of pH in different locations in the processing plant.
Verus Blended Phosphates are fully functional within the regulatory pH limits of 6.0 and 9.0.
Aulick is committed to supporting water systems and developing new technology for drinking water quality from the water treatment facility to the tap.
While developing our customized phosphate line Aulick’s focus was on:
- Corrosion Control
- Cleaning
- Sequestration