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Abstract

Studies of nickel migration from Cr–Ni stainless steel exposed to potable water indicate that there is a ‘stagnant water problem’, which is also known to occur with other pipe materials. The nickel levels can reach the EC recommended upper limit within a period of one week; depending on the surface condition and volume to surfacearea ratio. The fact that hardly any chromium is found in the water indicates that the presence of nickel is not attributable to corrosion of Cr–Ni stainless steel pipes but rather to leaching of nickel from the passive layer rich in chromium oxide. The leaching stops after afew weeks, indicating that nickel migration is only a matter of concern during commissioning. Unlike copper and hot dip galvanised steel pipes, stainless steel pipes do not undergo any general corrosion in potable waters. This is also true for waters that are highly acidic (pH 4) or contain strong complex forming species, e.g. cyanides and EDTA. From the point of view of health, therefore, stainless steel pipes can be usedfor all types of potable water.

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Nickel migration from Cr—Ni stainless steel exposed to potable water

Abstract

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