What impact does tuberculation in piping have?

Tuberculation in piping is a phenomenon where corrosion in the pipes leads to the formation of irregular deposits, often consisting of minerals like iron oxides. This buildup creates rough surfaces within the pipe, which significantly disrupts the flow conditions.

The term "C factor" refers to the coefficient of roughness, which is crucial in determining how smoothly water can flow through a pipe. When tuberculation occurs, the internal surface of the pipe becomes rougher, causing an increase in friction and turbulence, which negatively affects water flow. As a result, the C factor decreases, indicating that the pipe's ability to convey water efficiently has diminished.

Therefore, noting that tuberculation leads to a decrease in the C factor highlights the negative impact on flow and efficiency, making it a vital factor to consider in the maintenance and monitoring of water distribution systems.