Pitting failure of copper pipings for emergency fire sprinkler in ground water

The possibility of microbiologically influenced corrosion was investigated in the early pitted copper pipes. The pipes were installed for less than 6 months as an immergency fire sprinkler. The bacteria were cultured by sampling of corrosion by-product near pits on failed copper pipes for the aerobic as well as anaerobic bacteria. However, only aerobic bacteria was found, which were Micrococcus Luteus and Bacillus sp.. The corrosion rate of copper pipes were studied by weight loss in the groundwater and polarization method. In immersion test as well as the electrochemical polarization test in ground water, only Micrococcus Luteus could activate corrosion of copper by 20% and 15%, respectively. On the other hand, Bacillus sp. showed little effect on corrosion in the above two tests. The shape and characteristics of failed copper pipes as well as simulated copper were investigated using stereoscope, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope and EDS. The cause of pits were discussed, related with the dissolved copper concentrations, pH, and optical density. It could be concluded that the early failure of copper pipings could be ascribed to the acceration of copper in the presence of bacteria, i.e., Micrococcus Luteus.