Interesting. (Reply to Doug, not to me. Thanks.)
73, Bob AA0CY
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From: Douglas Bradford[SMTP:kz5qdx@communique.net]
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 1998 3:49 AM
To: Bob Wanderer
Subject: Copper
1st I am in South Louisiana. #1 hot spot in the USA
for corrosion. Have nearly 50 years in underground
construction. Soil is very acid, great for strawberries.
I moved into my home nearly 35 years ago. The
ground rod was galvanized. Had been down about
5 years and was rusted very very bad. Remember
this is acid soil. Galvanized should be better. I have
a copper 8 foot rod I replaced it with that is still as
good as the day I put it in.
I know what they say, I am telling you what it does.
I got the Kids a horse, 12 acres a lot of room to ride.
Built a Fence to keep him in. I used Galvanized Post
1 year later, they were rusted off at ground level
Replaced with Creosote Post, still there.
Put up tower 25 years ago, used copper rod, still FB.
Now, I have worked underground construction in this
area for the last 40 + years. Install Electrical lines,
Gas Mains and Water Mains and other types of
Piping.
Strictly talking about material now. I have seen a
Galvanized Pipe Eaten up with pit holes in 3 months
time. In 1967 the Fed. Pipeline Safety Act required
all steel pipe to be Cathodically Protected with
Anodes or with Low Voltage Currant. Best thing
that ever happened to Gas Systems. Made them
do the correct thing. In all other Industries other
than Towers, when steel is used, u must use some
type of Cathodic Protection. Anode is usually the
Cheapest way to go unless in a plant then you use
rectifiers, low voltage.
I have seen a lot of corrosion, but never have seen
any damaged copper material in this acid soil. I have
seen Copper water pipe put in early 1900's still good.
Metal was gone long ago. I have seen copper Vases,
pots, etc. dug up and none was damaged. same area
we dug up part of a old wagon wheel, metal at least
what was left of it.
I have many many debates on this, and no longer
will debate it. Cathodic protection is only way to
protect steel. Galvanized is steel. And here come
the Pit holes in it as soon as it is covered up. Now
the more Galvanize it has on it will make it last longer
but still will be gone long before copper. I know where
some is over 100 years old and still ok.
I had Chemistry back in High School and again at
LSU and know what it is supposed to do.
But I am telling you what happens in acid soil.
and we are #1 hot area is USA for corrosion.
I have never worked in any Alkaline soil so can't
say what it does to Galvanized material.
And I don't care what the Table says on Material
in acid soil. Copper is not hurt. Steel or Galvanized
Material is damaged badly. My Dad was also in this
type business saw exactly what I saw. I carried some
samples to LSU to the Prof's. U ever win a argument
with one ? But they could never explain it.
Well, I gave U some interesting reading material I
hope. Don't plan on trying to convince anyone what
to use. I know what I will use always.
73 Brad KZ5Q
Long Live CW
Preferred Mode
These are commercial Towers.
BTW I heard from a fellow that has 12 towers. We
had a real good debate. He is installing anodes on
the galvanized material. These are the anchor points.
And until he is required otherwise, he is allowed to
continue using the Copper on the towers for grounding.
Sounds like the Fed's as usual, don't really know what
to do if it is not specifically outlined in detail.
You tell Me ?
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