Print this page Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion
Semih Genculu, PE
Course Outline
This 2-hour online course is prepared for engineers to help them understand the basics of one of the most common corrosion mechanisms. MIC terminology is defined, and basic chemical and physical effects produced by microbial activity that affect corrosion of plant materials are described. Typical symptoms, and detailed recommendations for design, material selection, prevention, and diagnosis are provided. Guidelines for analyses that establish whether or not MIC is involved are given.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Become familiar with what MIC is and how to identify it;
- Understand the variations of MIC;
- Gain knowledge about biofilm and its relationship to MIC;
- Have information about the factors (pH; temperature; velocity) that affect MIC;
- Become familiar with the materials and conditions that are susceptible to MIC;
- Understand how to mitigate MIC; and
- Become knowledgeable in the testing methods and procedures that can be used to verify the presence of MIC.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for materials, corrosion, pipeline, petrolium, plant and maintenance engineers along with engineers from various other disciplines as MIC can be encountered in a wide range of industries and applications. The material is presented in a manner where someone who has a basic understanding of corrosion process, including associated nomenclature will benefit from it.
Benefit for Attendee
The cost of MIC amounts to billions of dollars each year and what makes it even worse is that a great number of MIC cases are mistakenly attributed to corrosion phenomena other than microbial corrosion causing it to reoccur. A good example is the failure of the Trans Alaskan oil pipeline in 2006. The highly possible cause of the disastrous failure-despite all corrosion monitoring measures-was attributed to MIC and particularly the act of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB).
Course Introduction
MIC is used to designate corrosion due to the presence and activities of organisms that cannot be seen individually with the unaided eye. Microorganisms such as algae, bacteria and fungi can accelerate rates of partial reactions in corrosion processes. The industries most affected by MIC are power generation; oil production, transportation and storage; and water distribution.
Course Content
The course content is contained in the following PDF file:
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion
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Course Summary
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), also known as microbial corrosion or biological corrosion, is the deterioration of metals as a result of the metabolic activity of microorganisms. Many industries are known to be affected by MIC. This course aims to provide the participants with a thorough understanding of the causes of microbiologically influenced corrosion, its recognition, treatment, mitigation, testing and prevention. Upon completion of this corrosion short course the participants will be able to identify the different forms of corrosion damage caused by different types of bacteria, apply appropriate strategies and methods to treat and mitigate systems affected by MIC.
Related Links and References
National Association of Corrosion Engineers, www.nace.com
ASM Handbook, Volume 13, Corrosion
ASM Handbook, Volume 11, Failure Analysis
Sourcebook for Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion in Nuclear Power Plants, EPRI
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion Handbook, S. W. Borenstein
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion, B. J. Little, J. S. Lee
Myths Related to MIC, B. Little, P.Wagner, MP, June 1997
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion Monitoring, P.J.B. Scott, MP, January 2000
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
