MIC - Microbiologically induced corrosion

[CdotS]

This is realted to corroded samples taken from oil and gas pipelines. It was reported that they corroded due to MIC -microbiologically induced corrosion.

My question to the experts are as follows:

1. How can I determine from the surface features the mechanism of corrosion? I can get SEM/optical microscopy/XRD done on the surface. Will any of these surface features such as pitting (shape, size, distribution, etc.) confirm the presence or absence of MIC? Will any other technique be more suitable?

2. Pitting can be due to chloride corrosion. How can you differentiate MIC pitting from chloride pitting?

3. What is the ideal process/procedure to remove and preserve tube/corrosion product from pipelines for analyzing for MIC?

 

[Metalguy]

1. Some MIC can be determined using the techniques you have available. SEM-EDAX can be especially helpful.

2. Some especially nasty bacteria (SRBs) create sulfuric acid on the metal. If you have low oxygen conditions, you may well have them. Use EDAX in the pits-look for S.

3. Try to keep things as sterile as possible. There are some companies that make MIC kits for preserving samples. A lab. will then attempt to grow and ID them.

4. You can try to contact someone like Dan Pope-may still be at RPI in Troy, NY. I think he started a company-Biotest? There are others around.