For corrosive water conditions, what is the requirement for steel pipe on the suction side of the pump?

For corrosive water conditions, using galvanized or painted steel on the interior of the pipe is crucial because it helps protect the steel from corrosion that can occur due to the presence of aggressive water chemicals. This protective measure is particularly important on the suction side of the pump, where the water being drawn is likely to have contact with the pipe and can introduce various corrosive agents.

Galvanization involves coating the steel with a layer of zinc, which offers excellent corrosion resistance. Similarly, applying a suitable paint or protective coating to the interior provides a barrier between the corrosive elements in the water and the steel pipe, thus prolonging the life of the piping system and maintaining its structural integrity.

In contrast, simply painting the exterior does not address the risk from corrosion on the interior where water flows, and using plastic pipe could be an alternative, but it may not always fit the application or required specifications for certain systems. The absence of special requirements would not be appropriate either, as ensuring the longevity and safety of the system in corrosive conditions is critical. Therefore, protecting the interior of the steel pipe is a necessary requirement in such scenarios.