Industrial water system components are at increasing risk of damage due to corrosion and metal loss as
they get close to the end of their design life or if the system exhibits any of the following: accelerated
corrosion, perforation, deposit build up (plugging), discoloration, and excessive attack due to corrosive
bacteria.
The purpose of this paper is to provide failure analysis case histories on corrosivity, pitting tendency and
the risk associated with corrosion activity in industrial water systems. Failure analysis methods, failure
mechanisms, primary cause and sources of corrosion attack with recommendations are described at the
end of each case history. Corrosion mitigation recommendations and risk ranking is based on many years
of experiences and water system studies in industrial water systems.
Keywords: corrosion risk, inspection, failure analysis, industrial water systems, corrosion mitigation,
corrosivity, pitting corrosion.