Experiences in controlling microbially - induced corrosion

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:7034759

Pacheco, A M; Dishinger, T D; Tomlin, J L

The effects of microbial growth in cooling water systems on corrosion of metal surfaces are well documented. The mechanism of biofilm formation and the differentiation of sessile versus planktonic microorganisms are now generally understood. Water treatment biocide programs, whether oxidizing or nonoxidizing types, have met with mixed success in controlling microbially induced corrosion (MIC). The factors which contribute to successful microbial control are many and often subtle variations can affect the outcome. Techniques for monitoring and measuring biofilm formation, though available, are still not commonplace in the industry. Very often, determinations are made based on the organisms in the bulk water phase, though less indicative than fouling monitors of the microbial problem which may plague the system. The two case histories reviewed in this paper discuss methods of detecting, controlling and correcting MIC. Though the detecting and control procedures may not be ''state-of-the-art'', the reader can appreciate this ''real world'' approach to microbial control. In one case history, a simple change in chlorination feed significantly influenced the rate of corrosion. In another, due to process contaminants, chlorine dioxide replaced chlorine as the oxidizer necessary to control biofilm formation in that environment.

• OSTI ID: 7034759
• Report Number(s): CONF-870314-
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320106* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Building Equipment-- (1987-)
ANTIFOULANTS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOLOGICAL FOULING
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COOLANTS
COOLING SYSTEMS
CORROSION
CORROSION PROTECTION
CORROSION RESISTANCE
CORROSIVE EFFECTS
ENERGY SYSTEMS
FOULING
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MONITORING
OXIDIZERS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLANKTON
WATER
WATER TREATMENT