How do microorganisms cause corrosion?

Some bacteria are able to utilize hydrogen formed during cathodic corrosion processes. Bacterial colonies and deposits can form concentration cells, causing and enhancing galvanic corrosion. [1]. Bacterial corrosion may appear in form of pitting corrosion, for example in pipelines of the oil and gas industry.

How does MIC microbiologically influenced corrosion take place in a pipeline?

Richard Eckert: MIC occurs when chemical, microbiological, and physical conditions support the active growth of biofilms containing specific types of microorganisms on the pipe surface and the resulting growth aids the electrochemical processes, leading to corrosion.

How can microbiologically influenced corrosion be prevented?

Microbiologically influenced corrosion, or microbial corrosion or biological corrosion can be prevented through a number of methods:

Regular mechanical cleaning if possible.
Chemical treatment with biocides to control the population of bacteria.
Complete drainage and dry-storage.

How can you tell if a mic is corroded?

Methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) are used in the laboratory to determine if any organic acids are present in the sample that may be a byproduct of bacterial activity. Internal corrosion of a pipeline caused by MIC.

Is corrosion good or bad?

Corrosion is a dangerous and extremely costly problem. Because of it, buildings and bridges can collapse, oil pipelines break, chemical plants leak, and bathrooms flood.

What is the difference between corrosion and pitting?

Pitting corrosion is a localized form of corrosion by which cavities or “holes” are produced in the material. Pitting is considered to be more dangerous than uniform corrosion damage because it is more difficult to detect, predict and design against. Corrosion products often cover the pits.

Does mic affect stainless steel?

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) does not involve new corrosion mechanisms. Thus, the resistance of stainless steels to this corrosion type increases with increasing content of the alloying elements, which are beneficial for resistance to pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion.

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