Results of a failure analysis of a copper pipe sample which was removed from a domestic hot water system are presented. The failed piping was in service for 12 years. The pipe failed due to extensive wall thinning which led to through-wall perforation. The corrosion products/deposits on the affected ID surfaces were rich in iron. No sulfur was detected on the examined ID surfaces; however, the damage was attributed to the presence of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB). The morphology of the corroded surface was examined employing scanning electron microscopy/X-ray energy dispersive analysis, stereomicroscopy and optical metallographic techniques.
Keywords: MIC, copper pipe, failure examination, SRB