International Gas Research Conference, 1992. McClinton, Marlon Summary A laboratory study was done to determine natural gas constituent limits within which internal corrosion of copper tubing is not a safety hazard. Modified copper based systems having greater corrosion resistance were investigated, as was utility experience with copper tubing.
Corrosion causing gas leakage is highly unlikely, as corrosion rates are extremely low.
Hydrogen sulfide, oxygen, and water concentrations are primary factors which increase corrosion rate. An equation was derived for predicting corrosion rate from concentrations of gas constituents. Tin-lined copper is the most attractive option. It retards internal flaking, which can cause operational problems in bare copper tubing. It is available by contacting the publisher, a library, or a document delivery service.