This paper describes the testing and use of a multiple-array-sensor (MAS) probe to investigate one form of microbially influenced corrosion (MIC); namely that associated with sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB). The MAS probe was developed by Southwest Research Institute to monitor localized corrosion. Subsequent work by Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) determined that the probe responded well to MIC giving the desired on-line, real-time corrosion rate data. Using the MAS probe it was demonstrated that the rate of MIC is directly related to the specific microbial activity. Therefore, the optimum conditions for growth of the bacteria are the optimal conditions for MIC. It was found that there was a sharp increase in the rate of MIC at the optimum temperature for growth of the SRB used in this test. Within the test system it was also found that nutrient loading (amount of nutrient entering the system, or flow rate) strongly affected MIC rates.

Subject
Water, Bacterial growth, Corrosion currents, Corrosion rate, Probes, Microbial activity, Nutrients, Bacteria, Corrosion probes, Carbon steel, Localized corrosion, Corrosion mechanisms, Microbiologically influenced corrosion
Keywords:
Microbially Influenced Corrosion (MIC), multiple electrode array sensor, real-time sensor, sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB), carbon steel, localized corrosion, pitting
Government work published by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) with permission of the author(s). 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).
2006
GOV
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