This paper evaluates the internal lining solutions to the problem of microbial induced corrosion in municipal wastewater applications as it relates to reinforced concrete pipe used in new or replacement construction. Microbial Induced Corrosion (MIC), commonly referred to as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) corrosion, in Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP) is caused by sulfuric acid that is produced by bacteria known as Thiobacillus. Thiobacillus genus bacteria exist in the crown area of the pipe and metabolize the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) into sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The sulfuric acid, in turn, corrodes the concrete. This destructive activity amounts to a multi-billion dollar annual cost to municipal wastewater systems around the world.

Numerous solutions to MIC are available. The initial step in controlling MIC is to prevent the creation of H2S through proper design of the wastewater system. Other solutions are to place anti-microbial agents in the system to prevent the growth of the bacteria or to provide an additional thickness of concrete that will take longer to corrode. If acid production cannot be prevented, the only solution left is to provide a barrier lining to protect the concrete from the acidic environment.

The paper evaluates the common lining systems available in the market today including polyvinyl chloride, 100% solids polyurethane and coal tar epoxy. These materials are compared in terms of performance, application , safety and environmental implications.

Subject
Acids, Costs, Coating application, Materials, Piping, Sulfuric acid, Solids, Liquids, Corrosion protection, Lining, Microbiologically influenced corrosion, Concrete, Waste water
Keywords:
100% solids, polyurethane, epoxy, polyvinyl chloride, reinforced concrete pipe, microbial induced corrosion, linings, coatings, municipal wastewater, H2S corrosion
© 1997 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1997
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
You do not currently have access to this content.