Seoul Waterworks Research Institute looks to commercialise corrosion-reducing technology in water pipes

Seoul Waterworks Research Institute in South Korea has entered into an agreement with steelmaker COSCO for a joint research project to explore commercialisation of advanced steel corrosion-reducing technology in drinking water pipes.

The coating has been developed after four years of research by the institute, which claims that the technology prevents stainless-steel corrosion.

The institute has already applied for a patent for the technology.

Scientists use a nitric and hydrofluoric acid-based protective coating on welding parts of stainless-steel pipes used for potable water supply, which is said to delay corrosion.

On application of the coating to welding parts of steel pipes at regular intervals, the technology is likely to help city authorities save on infrastructure expenses.

The coating can also be used for water mains made of concrete walls once or twice in a year to protect them from chlorine content, according to Korea Bizwire.

Results from the research, which has been ongoing since 2010, were detailed in journals published by the International Society of Electrochemistry and the Electrochemical Society.

More than 1,000 chlorine-tainted steel pipe pieces were used for research purposes in filtration plants, water reservoirs and grounds.

The study also found stainless-steel coated concrete to be the most sanitary material for bio-safety in water storage tanks.