Leaks in Copper Tubing From Cooling Coils of a Large Air-Conditioning Unit

Copper tubes from the cooler assemblies of a large air-conditioning unit exhibited leakage upon installation of the unit. Sections from two leaking tubes and one nonleaking tube were subjected to pressure testing and microscopic examination. The cause of leaking was determined to be pitting corrosion. Extensive pitting was found on the insides of all sections examined, with deep and numerous pits in leaking areas. Circumstantial evidence indicated that antifreeze solution left in the tubes from the manufacturing operation was the most likely cause of the pitting.