Pipeline steel coupons were exposed in a model system containing Enterobacter aerogenes, Clostridium acetobutylicum and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. After various exposure periods, the coupons were preserved, embedded and examined using phase contrast and UV fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Corrosion pit initiation and growth were compared with biofilm characteristics, particularly with respect to the sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). Distinct changes in SRB morphology were observed over time when the bacteria were involved in the corrosion. These morphological changes could significantly impact the manner in which SRB contribute to localized corrosion. Similar changes and resultant effects on corrosion were also documented in field samples from natural gas pipelines.

Subject
Pits, Scanning electron microscopy, Microscopy, Steel coupons, Transmission electron microscopy, Metal coupons, Pipelines, Biofilms, Bacteria, Pitting, Corrosion coupons, Microbiologically influenced corrosion, Resins
Keywords:
pipeline steel, microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), sulfate reducing bacteria, biofilm
© 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)
You do not currently have access to this content.