Phosphate Inhibitors and Red Water in Stagnant Iron Pipes
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume
126
Issue
12
Publisher
American Society of Civil Engineering
Publication Date
2000
First Page
1096
Last Page
1102
Abstract
This four-year study evaluated the effect of phosphate inhibitors on the corrosion of iron pipes under extended stagnant water conditions. Study parameters included pH and alkalinity, age of the pipe, water stagnation time, and inhibitor type. For iron release, addition of phosphate inhibitors had no statistically significant effect (at 95% confidence) in two-thirds of the experiments. In the remaining experiments, addition of orthophosphate or zinc orthophosphate always increased iron concentration. Polyphosphate addition decreased iron release at only one water quality and increased it at other conditions. For weight loss, polyphosphate inhibitor dosing did not decrease the extent of scale buildup or overall weight loss. Orthophosphate dosing reduced overall weight loss at only one water quality condition; at all other conditions, the addition of orthophosphate had a detrimental effect.
Recommended Citation
McNeill, L.S. and M. Edwards, “Phosphate Inhibitors and Red Water in Stagnant Iron Pipes,” Journal of Environmental Engineering, 126(12), 1096-1102, December 2000.