Characterization of Tubercles in Cast Iron Water Distribution Pipes Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS)

Abstract

Corrosion of cast iron (C.I.) pipe often results in the formation of “tubercles” on the inner surface of the pipe. Tubercles are layered deposits formed by the stacking of several layers of corrosion products one on top of the other (Fig.l). Tubercles not only increase the amount of energy required for transport of water but are also considered the main source of turbidity in potable water. Their chemical and physical characteristics are important factors which affect the release of iron into the bulk water.Tubercles are extremely complex systems. They may be highly crystalline in nature, with iron occurring in chemical structures, such as siderite (FeCO3), goethite (α-FeOOH), magnetite (Fe3O4) and lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) or they may be highly amorphous. Tubercles vary in height from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. They exhibit distinct layers which are formed over varying periods of time ranging from a few months to a century.