Impact on the Industry
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a serious form of degradation which occurs in system materials in several industries, including power generation, oil production, chemical processing, transportation, and pulp and paper.
Microbial bio-films (slime) have a profound impact on industrial productivity and competitiveness. Industries may suffer negative effects in areas such as worker and environmental safety, equipment / system performance, equipment / system integrity and an unawareness of the fact that bio-films are the source of the problems.
Slime build-up can cause water quality deterioration and loss of heat-transfer efficiency due to the growth of pathogens, flow reduction and even the plugging of filters. The consequences of pipe failures due to MIC can be severe in power generation facilities.
Comprehensive Capabilities
Kinectrics has provided microbiological services in several key areas including environmental, industrial, and health and safety for nearly two decades. Our capabilities include:
Specialized Scientific Expertise:
- Comprehensive understanding of all aspects of MIC
- Identification and assessment of MIC problems in the early stages
- Development of system-specific strategies for MIC control
- Demonstration of strategies at laboratory and pilot scales
- Implementation and monitoring the effectiveness of control strategies
- Transfer of technologies
Project Experience:
- Proven troubleshooting expertise in microbiology
- Long and short term R&D projects
- Complete microbial analysis
- In-service systems assessment
- Placement of on-line monitoring devices
- Strategies for microbial fouling control
- Evaluation of commercial processes and fouling control products
- Materials selection
- Chemical and non-chemical controls
- Operational changes
- Education and training
Complete Lab Facilities
Kinectrics provides a complete microbiology laboratory for identifying, troubleshooting, and monitoring MIC conditions.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with Electron Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDXA) to study MIC damage in detail in terms of preferential attack by micro-organisms
- Bio cells and pilot scale rigs to simulate field conditions for the investigation of specific MIC problems
- Electrochemical facilities to study and monitor MIC, comprising a well-equipped chemistry laboratory to characterize environments that influence MIC
Qualified, Experienced Personnel
Kinectrics’ staff of microbiological qualified scientists and engineers helps clients understand potential degradation mechanisms and predicting the susceptibility of systems and components to MIC and corrosion. Our expertise covers root cause failure analysis and non destructive examination to assess MIC damage.
Kinectrics’ specialists investigate MIC in stainless steels, carbon steels, copper-based alloys, nickel-based alloys and weld metals.
Kinectrics provides broad-based MIC education and training in the industry.
