Major Concerns With Microbial Induced Corrosion Results of a 2002 study from the corrosion society, NACE International, show that the total annual estimated direct cost of corrosion in the U.S. alone is $276 billion—approximately 3.1% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. | Deposit Formation Tubercle Formation Bioconcretions Embrittlement Pitting | Premature Failure Reduced Heat Transfer Reduced Production Destruction of Iron Piping Catastrophic Failure |  Understanding Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion Problems: - Corrosion is influenced by the activities of bacteria
- Corrosion is more common where sulfates are present (generating hydrogen sulfide) and organics are present (generating acids). Under oxidative conditions sulfide and sulfur can be oxidized to sulfuric acid which can also be corrosive.
Corrosion Causes:  - Capitol costs to replace failed equipment
- Scale build up in pipes
- Operational challenges
- Accelerated operating costs
Available Testing & Analysis: | Sample Type | Description | Turnaround | Cost/sample | | MAPB - Acid Producing Bacteria | Monitor production of acids that attack metal surfaces | 8 days | $25/sample | | MDNB - Denitrifying Bacteria | Monitor ammonia producers attacking copper alloys | 4 days | $25/sample | | MIRB - Iron Related Bacteria | Monitor Plugging of water passages by iron deposits & deterioration of metal surfaces/under-deposit corrosion | 8 days | $25/sample | | MSLM - Slime Forming Bacteria | Monitor Slime & Sludge | 8 days | $25/sample | | MSRB - Sulfate Reducing Bacteria | Monitor corrosion of metal surfaces | 8 days | $25/sample | | MNIB - Nitrifying Bacteria | Monitor corrosion on copper & steel | 5 days | $25/sample | | MFPB - Fluorescent Pseudomonads | Monitor biofilm which may supply nutrients for the growth of Legionella | 8 days | $25/sample | | MMAB - Algae | Monitor pitting of metal surfaces by algae; algae may also absorb and inhibit biocides | 24 days | $25/sample |
|
Microbial Corrosion
