Recent advances in the unlined cast iron pipe scale characteristics, cleaning techniques and harmless disposal methods: An overview

Abstract

Drinking water discoloration and its potential health risks (e.g., heavy metals, pathogens, carcinogenic organics) have aroused wide public concerns around the world, and the characteristics and corresponding cleaning techniques of pipe scales are one of the most important research fields closely related to people's lives and health. This Overview Article summarizes the latest research achievements about the new insights into the unlined cast iron pipe corrosion scale characteristics as well as the advanced cleaning techniques applied in drinking water distribution systems. The typical pollutants such as heavy metal ions, pathogens and disinfection by-products (DBPs) in pipe scales and the main cleaning techniques including unidirectional flushing (UDF), air scouring, ice pigging and guided ultrasonic waves (GUW) are categorized and elaborated. In the final part, the current challenges and future opportunities are also further discussed from the viewpoint of evolution process of pipe scales as well as the widespread application of advanced cleaning techniques. Moreover, the possible technical route for the innocent treatment and resource utilization of pipe scale waste is also proposed. It is anticipated that this review will attract more attention toward the in-depth study of pipe scales and their cleaning techniques to enjoy cleaner and healthier drinking water for people.

Keywords: Cleaning techniques; Corrosion scales; Drinking water distribution system; Scale characteristics.