Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion

BRENDA LITTLE is Senior Scientist for Marine Molecular Processes at the Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. She serves on the editorial board for Biofouling and is a National Association of Corrosion Engineers International Fellow. JASON LEE is a Materials and Corrosion Engineer at the Naval Research Laboratory, Ocean Sciences Branch, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.

Preface xi

1. Biofilm Formation 1

Introduction 1

Biologically Active Environments 1

Biofilm Formation 7

Influence of Conditioning Films 9

Influence of the Substratum 10

Influence of the Electrolyte 14

Summary 16

References 19

2. Causative Organisms and Possible Mechanisms 22

Introduction 22

Ennoblement 22

Concentration Cells 25

Oxygen Concentration Cells 25

Metal Concentration Cells 26

Reactions within Biofilms 26

Respiration/Photosynthesis 28

Sulfide Production 28

Iron 32

Copper 34

Silver 38

Other Metals 41

Acid Production 41

Ammonia Production 41

Metal Deposition 42

Manganese 42

Iron 45

Metal Reduction 47

Methane Production 48

Hydrogen Production 48

Dealloying 49

Inactivation of Corrosion Inhibitor 49

Alteration of Anion Ratios 49

Summary 50

References 50

3. Diagnosing Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion 56

Introduction 56

Identification of Causative Organisms 56

Culture Techniques 56

Biochemical Assays 58

Cell Activity 59

Genetic Techniques 60

Microscopy 61

Light Microscopy 61

Epifluorescence Microscopy 61

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy 63

Atomic Force Microscopy 63

Electron Microscopy 63

Pit Morphology 66

Chemical Testing 70

Elemental Composition 71

Mineralogical Fingerprints 72

Isotope Fractionation 73

Summary 73

References 74

4. Electrochemical Techniques Applied to Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion 78

Introduction 78

Techniques Requiring no External Signal 78

Redox Potential 78

Open Circuit or Corrosion Potential, Ecorr 80

Electrochemical Noise Analysis (ENA) 81

Microsensors 81

Scanning Vibrating Electrode Techniques 82

Capacitance 83

Dual-Cell Technique 86

Techniques Requiring a Small External Signal 89

Polarization Resistance Technique 89

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy 92

Large Signal Polarization 94

Concentric Ring Electrodes 96

Summary 97

References 98

5. Approaches for Monitoring Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion 102

Introduction 102

Coupon Holders 103

Zero Resistance Ammeter 104

Multitechnique Approaches 107

Electrochemical Noise Analysis 116

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy 120

Summary 124

References 125

6. Impact of Alloying Elements to Susceptibility of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion 127

Introduction 127

Low Alloy Steel 138

Copper and Nickel Alloys 129

Stainless Steels 133

Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys 139

Titanium and Titanium Alloys 140

Antimicrobial Metals 141

Summary 143

References 144

7. Design Features that Determine Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion 147

Introduction 147

Hydrotest Procedures 147

Flow 148

Summary 149

References 149

8. Case Histories 150

Introduction 150

Generic Environments 150

Subterranean 150

External Pipeline Surfaces 150

Electric Cables 151

Atmospheric 154

Ship Holds 155

Aircraft 155

Wire Rope 159

Building Materials 159

Glass 162

Marine 162

Iron and Steel 162

Corrosion-resistant and Passive Alloys 173

Copper and Copper–Nickel Alloys 174

Titanium 177

Specific Environments 177

Water-Distribution and Storage Systems 177

Nuclear Waste Storage 186

Interim Wet Storage 186

Long-term Dry Storage 189

Environments with Hydrocarbons 192

Production 193

Transmission, Distribution, and Storage 194

Use 195

Ships 201

Power Generation 203

Paper Mill Industry 206

References 207

9. Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion of Nonmetallics 217

Introduction 217

Polymeric Materials 217

Biomedical Applications 218

Polymeric Coatings 219

Fiber-Reinforced Polymeric Composites 222

Concrete 227

Other Engineering Materials 232

Asphalt 232

Wood 232

Summary 233

References 233

10 Strategies to Prevent or Mitigate Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion 237

Introduction 237

Reduce Numbers and Types of Organisms 237

Biocides 237

Corrosion Inhibition by Biofilms 242

Apparent Contradictions among Researchers 251

The Stochastic Nature of Biofilms 251

Contamination and Natural Competition 251

The Influence of Nutrients on Electrochemical Measurements 252

The Influence of Nutrients on the Corrosion Mechanism 252

Alter Potential Electron Acceptors to Inhibit Specific Groups of Bacteria 253

Summary 257

References 257

Index 261