The formation of tubercles, hard-shelled mounds of iron oxides, carbonates and biomass that build up over corrosion pits in water mains, fire lines and cooling water piping. Each tubercle caps an active pit and shelters an oxygen-starved, often microbially active zone beneath it. Tuberculation chokes flow, raises pumping costs, feeds red water complaints and hides pits that can perforate the wall.
Cut a spool out of the fire main and it's half closed with tuberculation, no wonder the flow test failed.
Also heard as
- tubercles
- tuberculated pipe
Related terms
MIC
Microbiologically influenced corrosion: corrosion started or sped up by bacteria and other microbes.
Red water
Rust-colored tap or process water carrying iron corrosion products shed from pipes and mains.
Crevice corrosion
Localized attack inside tight gaps under gaskets, deposits or lap joints where the solution stagnates.
Pitting
Localized corrosion that drills small, deep cavities into metal while the surface around them stays nearly intact.