Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of piping and heat exchanger materials in cooling waters has caused expensive unplanned outages, the need for local repairs, and, in some cases, complete system replacement. The control of biofilm on surfaces is the most effective tool for mitigating MIC as well as for maintaining heat transfer in heat exchangers. Optimized treatments require accurate, on-line monitoring of biofilm activity.

Plant experiences with an electrochemical biofilm sensor with integrated data acquisition and data analysis capabilities for monitoring biofilm activity on metallic surfaces and the use of that tool for optimizing biocide additions are described.

Subject
Electric current, Water, Probes, Tubes, Biofilm activity, Biofilms, Condensers, Heat exchangers, Biocides, Cooling water, Electrodes, Microorganisms, Microbiologically influenced corrosion
Keywords:
monitoring, biocide, MIC, power plant, chemical processing, natural gas, pulp and paper
© 2004 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).
2004
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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