Oxygen and Corrosion of Steel Pipes

Oxygen concentration and temperature and the influence on corrosion of steel pipes

Corrosion of steel is strongly affected by the amount of oxygen in the water and the temperature of the water. The effects of oxygen and temperature on low-carbon steel pipes with water flow are indicated in the diagram below:

• 1 mm = 0.03937 in
• T(^oF) = [T(^oC)](9/5) + 32

The diagram indicates clearly how important it is to avoid continuously fresh water supply in higher temperature systems - like heating systems or similar - where the piping is made of carbon steel.