Durability of the non-dezincification resistant CuZn40Pb2 brass in Scandinavian waters

In this study the brass couplings manufactured from CuZn40Pb2 brass possess dezincification after five years of use in drinking water systems delivering water from Rauma water work. The main reason for the dezincification type of corrosion lies in the high sulfate and chloride concentrations as well as in low alkalinity. In this case the high concentrations of sulfate are mainly responsible of the dezincification of brass couplings. Typically, due to the aggressiveness of the water and consequent general corrosion from all brass materials, the drinking water quality is deteriorated by high dissolved concentrations of lead, copper and zinc. It is evident that CuZn40Pb2 brass cannot be used and demand for the use of dezincification resistant brass in water systems is extremely important in order to avoid expensive failures and problems caused by leakages.