Copper alloys (brass) have proven themselves valuable for fittings and valves. However, depending on their corrosion resistance in the surrounding water, these alloys release heavy metals such as copper and lead, and are thus influencing the quality of drinking water.

At the Institute of Corrosion Protection GmbH Dresden, new brass alloys in cold and warm drinking water are tested in two research projects (funding provided by BMWi funding programme, INNO-KOM Ost 49MF140235 and 49MF170078). These novel lead-free and low-lead brass alloys, which are approved from a hygienic point of view, show individual corrosion mechanisms due to alloying elements such as silicon, arsenic or aluminium that are added in each case. Hot and cold tap water with different neutral salt contents and carbonate hardness is then tested.

The two aforementioned research projects will create new drinking water system tools for valve manufacturers as well as for planners, installers, renovators and damage assessors. This increases safety for the consumers of drinking water.

This article is a contribution of the Dresden Transfer Bulletin. Transfer projects from companies and scientific institutions that are conducting research in the Dresden area have been published in the bulletin for over 25 years. The editors’ goal is to repeatedly publicise excellent research findings regarding both applications and developments on the path to a practical application.

By publishing innovative research and development results, editors of the Dresden Transfer Bulletin (TU Dresden, TechnologieZentrumDresden GmbH, GWT-TUD GmbH and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Dresden) hope to contribute to successful utilisation of these technologies.

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