Effect of sulphide in water on corrosion of copper alloys

Purpose This paper aims to study the corrosion behaviour of copper alloys HSn70‐1 + As and B30 in water with sulphide. Design/methodology/approach The mass‐loss method, electrochemical tests and surface analysis were used to study the corrosion behaviour of copper alloys HSn70‐1 + As and B30 in water with sulphide. Findings Dezincification corrosion occurred on HSn70‐1 + As both in water with or without sulphide, and sulphide in water accelerated corrosion, while for the copper alloy B30, the corrosion rates were very small both in water with or without sulphide, although corrosion was also accelerated by sulphide in water. Practical implications In order to prevent copper alloys HSn70‐1 + As and B30 in water with sulphide from corroding, S2− must be removed. Originality/value It was found that sulphide in water accelerated the corrosion of copper alloys HSn70‐1 + As and B30 in this paper. Therefore, when water containing sulphide is used as the source of make‐up water and cooling water, S2− in water must be removed to prevent the pipelines and facilities from corroding. This means that the research results can offer theoretical guidelines for the prevention of pipelines and facilities in the power plant from corroding.