Cathodic protection of copper plumbing system for prevention of corrosion

Abstract

Provided is a system and method for preventing the chemical redox reaction, and thereby, corrosion between potable water and copper piping systems, which causes pinhole leaks in the copper piping systems. A sacrificial anode, made of a material, such as a metal or metal alloy less noble than copper, e.g., iron, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and/or alloys thereof, is electrically attached to the potable water copper piping system. Alternatively an active cathodic corrosion prevention system may be used. The active cathodic corrosion protection system is composed of an independent source of DC power, a voltage controller and a non-sacrificial grounding anode. The negative terminal of the voltage controller is connected to the potable water copper piping system. The system is maintained at a voltage and/or potential above the reduction potential of copper.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A corrosion prevention system for a potable water copper piping system, wherein the potable water copper piping system comprises non-conductive mains and/or laterals, comprising:
 a. at least one sacrificial anode electrically connected to the copper piping system,   b. whereby the copper piping system is maintained at a voltage above the reduction potential of copper.   
     
     
         2 . The corrosion prevention system of  claim 1 , wherein the sacrificial anode is comprised of a metal less noble than copper. 
     
     
         3 . The corrosion prevention system of  claim 2 , wherein the sacrificial anode is comprised of iron, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or an alloy thereof 
     
     
         4 . A corrosion prevention potable water system, comprising:
 a. at least one non-conductive main and/or lateral,   b. a copper piping system connected to the non-conductive main and/or lateral,   c. at least one sacrificial anode electrically connected to the copper piping.   
     
     
         5 . The corrosion prevention system of  claim 4 , wherein the sacrificial anode is comprised of a metal less noble than copper. 
     
     
         6 . The corrosion prevention system of  claim 5 , wherein the sacrificial anode is comprised of iron, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or an alloy thereof 
     
     
         7 . A corrosion prevention system for a potable water copper piping system, wherein the potable water copper piping system comprises non-conductive mains and/or laterals, comprising:
 a. at least one insoluble anode,   b. a power source electrically connected to the insoluble anode, and   c. a voltage controller electrically connected to the insoluble anode, the power source, and the copper piping system,   d. whereby the copper piping system is maintained at a voltage above the reduction potential of copper.   
     
     
         8 . The corrosion prevention system of  claim 7 , wherein the insoluble anode is comprised of graphite. 
     
     
         9 . The corrosion prevention system of  claim 7 , wherein the power source comprises a battery or a solar cell. 
     
     
         10 . The corrosion prevention system of  claim 7 , wherein the power source comprises an AC/DC rectifier converter. 
     
     
         11 . A corrosion protection system to prevent corrosion of a copper potable water piping system, comprising:
 a. at least one non-conductive main and/or lateral,   b. a copper piping system connected to the non-conductive main and/or lateral,   c. at least one insoluble anode,   d. a power source electrically connected to the insoluble anode, and   e. a voltage controller electrically connected to the insoluble anode, the power source, and the copper piping system,   f. whereby the copper piping system is maintained at a voltage above the reduction potential of copper.   
     
     
         12 . The corrosion prevention system of  claim 11 , wherein the insoluble anode is comprised of graphite. 
     
     
         13 . The corrosion prevention system of  claim 11 , wherein the power source comprises a battery or a solar cell. 
     
     
         14 . The corrosion prevention system of  claim 11 , wherein the power source comprises an AC/DC rectifier converter. 
     
     
         15 . A method for preventing corrosion in potable water copper piping system connected to non-conductive mains and/or laterals, comprising:
 a. electrically connecting a sacrificial anode to the copper piping system,   b. whereby the copper piping system is maintained at a voltage above the reduction potential of copper.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the sacrificial anode is comprised of a metal less noble than copper. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the sacrificial anode is comprised of iron, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or an alloy thereof. 
     
     
         18 . A method for preventing corrosion in potable water copper piping system connected to non-conductive mains and/or laterals, comprising:
 a. electrically connecting a voltage controller to the copper piping system, wherein the voltage controller is electrically connected to a power source and an insoluble anode, wherein the power source is electrically connected to the insoluble anode, wherein said voltage controller is connected to an AC/DC rectifier converter,   b. whereby the copper piping system is maintained at a voltage above the reduction potential of copper   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the insoluble anode is comprised of graphite. 
     
     
         20 . A method for preventing corrosion in potable water copper piping systems connected to non-conductive mains and/or laterals, comprising:
 raising the cathodic potential of the copper piping to at least a cathodic potential of a redox reaction between disinfectant chemicals used to produce potable water and the copper piping system.