^{Download PDF version}

^{Effective Solutions for a Costly Problem}

^{A serious problem}

^{Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is the initiation or propagation of corrosion in metallic components as a result of microbiological activity. MIC can induce general or localized corrosion, such as pitting, in metals.}

^{MIC is a serious form of degradation of system materials in several industries, including power generation, oil production, chemical processing, transportation, and pulp and paper. In the electricity and nuclear industries in particular, increased vigilance and importance has been assigned to the prevention of MIC and other forms of degradation that affect reliability, safety, and operating and maintenance costs.}

^{The high cost of MIC}

^{Generating plants have been forced to undertake material replacement, or to make extensive repairs to service water systems, at enormous cost due to MIC. Large financial losses also result when lost capacity is replaced by more expensive energy options. The economic impact of failures in large nuclear units can be as high as millions of dollars per day. The cost of chemicals and delivery systems for water treatments to prevent MIC and microbial fouling is significantly less, annually.}

^{Extensive MIC expertise}

^{Kinectrics Inc. understands all aspects of MIC. Our capabilities include:}

• ^{Identification and assessment of MIC problems in the early stages}
• ^{Development of system-specific strategies for MIC control}
• ^{Demonstration of the strategies at laboratory and pilot scales}
• ^{Implementation and monitoring the effectiveness of control strategies}
• ^{Transfer of technologies}

^{Qualified, experienced personnel}

^{Kinectrics’ staff of qualified scientists and engineers assists clients in understanding potential degradation mechanisms and predicting the susceptibility of systems and components to MIC and corrosion. Our expertise covers root cause failure analysis and nondestructive examination to assess MIC damage.}

^{Kinectrics’ specialists have investigated MIC in stainless steels, carbon steels, copper-based alloys, nickel-based alloys and weld metals. Kinectrics also provides broad-based MIC education and training to industry.}

^{Complete facilities}

^{Kinectrics provides a complete microbiology laboratory for identifying, troubleshooting and monitoring MIC conditions. Our capabilities and equipment include:}

• ^{Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with Electron Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDXA) to study MIC damage in detail, in terms of preferential attack by microorganisms}
• ^{Bio cells and pilot scale rigs to simulate field conditions for investigating specific MIC problems}
• ^{Electrochemical facilities to study and monitor MIC comprising a well-equipped chemistry laboratory to characterize environments that influence MIC}

For more information, contact

Dev Jain, 416.207.6000 x6536, dev.jain@kinectrics.com

Allan Jarvine, 416.207.6000 x5785, allan.jarvine@kinectrics.com

Related links:

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) - case history