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Microbial Induced Corrosion Test Methods

Microbial Induced Corrosion Laboratory Testing and Product Development

Laboratory Testing for applications combating Microbial Induced Corrosion:

Microbial induced corrosion most commonly affects long lived structures and substructures such as metal or concrete pipes, supports, and other structural materials.  If these materials exist in an environment that satisfies the 'Rule of 3', then they will be susceptible to potential deterioration by different types of microorganisms, most commonly bacteria of different forms.

It may be surprising, but bacterial readily eat material such as concrete.  they are known as lithotrophic bacteria  and due to their metabolism, one of their by products is sulfuric acid, which will readily oxidize most materials including metals and various inorganic minerals such as those found in concrete.

Laboratory Testing of samples for microbial induced corrosion can be difficult due to the unique character of the organisms that cause the problem.  A critical factor in determining either the cause of the corrosion or potential solutions is to test sample for the specific organism types present. 

Other types of bacterial will readily consume metals causing corrosion  and weakening of the metallic substrate, and if colonizing a pipe system can cause the obstruction of the pipe.  In steel pipes, iron oxidation can be seen in 'plumes' of oxidized iron and minerals released by the metabolic processes of the bacterial, most commonly sulfate reducing types of organisms.

There are numerous applications of coating and additives that can help control the colonization of these materials by bacterial resulting in microbial induced corrosion. 

Situ Biosciences are experts in testing different material against the organisms specifically  responsible for causing microbial induced corrosion. 

 Our test methods provide the best environment for these organisms and thus the most accurate determination is if a treated material will be resistant to the colonization of the material by the bacterial responsible for these corrosive effects.

Common applications include: Concrete and concrete sealants, paints and coating for metal, and supporting structures.

 Laboratory Testing for Microbial Induced Corrosion

Untreated concrete exhibiting characteristic microbial induced corrosion

Untreated laboratory test samples show evidence of microbial induced corrosion.

 

Treated Concrete

Treated concrete either by application of a coating or incorporation of an additive into the bulk formulation can provide protection against the effects of microbes responsible for corrosion.