Microbial corrosion in fossil-fired power plants: A study of microbiologically influenced corrosion and a practical guide for its treatment and prevention: Final report

Technical Report · Sun Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5623575

Pope, D H

The results of a survey of fossil fueled electric generating stations done to determine the occurrence of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in various systems is presented. This shows that MIC occurs in most, if not all, systems present in these plants. A large variety of alloys are used in these systems; most appear to be MIC susceptible. None of the operational modes and types of water treatment reported seem to prevent MIC in all systems in which they are used. The results of several site visits by the principal investigator are also presented. These visits allowed direct documentation of MIC in all of the plants visited. This included demonstrating the presence of MIC causing microorganisms and corrosion with the metallurgical picture which has recently been established as unique to MIC of carbon steel piping. Background information on MIC, including newly discovered metallurgical features and the mechanisms of attack by acid producig bacteria, is presented. Methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of MIC are presented. A guide to the investigation of MIC in fossil plants including a step-by-step procedure for obtaining samples and performing microbiological, chemical and metallurgical analyses is provided 14 refs., 15 figs., 6 tabs.

• Research Organization: Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst., Troy, NY (USA). Dept. of Biology
• OSTI ID: 5623575
• Report Number(s): EPRI-CS-5495; ON: TI88920108
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
COOLING SYSTEMS
BIOLOGICAL FOULING
CORROSION
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
MICROORGANISMS
PROGRESS REPORT
SAMPLING
WATER TREATMENT
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FOULING
POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
200101* - Fossil-Fueled Power Plants- Cooling & Heat Transfer Equipment & Systems
360105 - Metals & Alloys- Corrosion & Erosion