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Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion
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Randall Stremmel + Follow
CEO of Brixx Technology Continue with Google
Published Mar 31, 2023
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Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a type of corrosion caused or

influenced by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. These
microorganisms can thrive in moist environments and create localized corrosion on
metal surfaces by producing corrosive byproducts that damage the metal.

MIC can occur in various industrial settings, including oil and gas pipelines, marine
vessels, and water treatment systems. It can significantly damage metal structures
and equipment, leading to costly repairs and downtime.
PreventingLike
and managing MIC involves
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a combination of strategies,373
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including
· 16 Comments
regular monitoring and maintenance, using biocides and inhibitors, and selecting
appropriate materials and coatings. Understanding the specific environmental
conditions that promote MIC is also essential for effective prevention and
management.

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/9/4/459

MIC can occur in various industries where metal structures or equipment are
exposed to moist environments and in contact with microorganisms. Some of the
industries that commonly experience MIC include:

Oil and gas industry: MIC is a significant concern in the oil and gas industry, particularly in
pipelines and production equipment that come into contact with corrosive fluids and
microorganisms.

Marine industry: MIC can occur in marine vessels, offshore platforms, and underwater
structures that are exposed to saltwater, which creates an ideal environment for
microorganisms to thrive.

Water treatment industry: MIC can occur in water treatment systems, particularly in areas
where water is stagnant, such as cooling towers, condenser tubes, and water distribution
systems.

Chemical industry: MIC can occur in chemical plants, where metal equipment is exposed to
corrosive chemicals and microorganisms that can thrive in the presence of these
chemicals.

Food and beverage industry: MIC can occur in food and beverage processing equipment,
mainly where food residues create a favorable environment for microorganisms to grow.

In summary, any industry that uses metal structures or equipment in a moist

environment and where microorganisms can grow has the potential to experience
MIC.

Inner Surface of failed elbow

Some materials are more susceptible to Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion

(MIC) than others. Generally, metals that are more reactive or have a higher potential
difference in the galvanic series are more susceptible to MIC. The following are some
of the materials that are more susceptible to MIC:

Carbon Steel: Carbon steel is highly susceptible to MIC. Microorganisms can produce
corrosive byproducts, such as hydrogen sulfide, that can cause pitting and crevice
corrosion on carbon steel surfaces.

Copper Alloys: Copper alloys, such as brass and bronze, are susceptible to MIC, especially
in marine environments. In addition, some microorganisms can produce organic acids that
erode copper alloys.

Aluminum Alloys: Aluminum alloys are susceptible to MIC, particularly in marine

environments. Microorganisms can produce organic acids that can corrode aluminum
alloys.

Nickel Alloys: Nickel alloys, such as Inconel and Monel, can be susceptible to MIC in
specific environments. Some microorganisms can produce corrosive byproducts, such as
sulfuric acid, that can cause pitting and crevice corrosion on nickel alloy surfaces.

Zinc: Zinc is susceptible to MIC in specific environments, such as water treatment systems.
Some microorganisms can produce corrosive byproducts, such as sulfuric acid, that can
cause corrosion on zinc surfaces.

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In summary, materials more susceptible to MIC include carbon steel, copper alloys,
aluminum alloys, nickel alloys, and zinc. However, the susceptibility of materials to
MIC can vary depending on the specific environmental conditions, the type of
microorganisms present, and other factors that can promote corrosion.

Preventing microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) involves a combination of

strategies, including:

Regular monitoring and maintenance: Monitoring metal surfaces and equipment for signs
of corrosion can help detect the early stages of MIC. Cleaning, coating, and protecting
metal surfaces can prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause corrosion.

Use of biocides and inhibitors: Biocides and inhibitors can be used to control the growth
of microorganisms and prevent them from causing corrosion. Biocides are chemical
compounds that kill or control the growth of microorganisms. At the same time, inhibitors
are chemicals that can slow down or prevent corrosion by forming a protective layer on
the metal surface.

Appropriate materials and coatings: Selecting proper materials and coatings resistant to
corrosion and microorganism growth can help prevent MIC. Materials such as stainless
steel and copper alloys are less susceptible to corrosion caused by microorganisms than
other metals like carbon steel.

Control of environmental conditions: Control of environmental conditions such as

temperature, humidity, and pH can help prevent the growth of microorganisms and
corrosion caused by them. For example, maintaining adequate chlorine levels in water
treatment systems can prevent the development of microorganisms that can cause MIC.

Proper design and operation: Proper design and operation of metal structures and
 equipment can help prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, promoting the growth of
microorganisms and causing MIC.

Preventing MIC requires a multi-faceted approach that includes regular monitoring

and maintenance, biocides and inhibitors, appropriate materials and coatings,
control of environmental conditions, and proper design and operation.

Inspecting for Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) involves several

methods, including:

Visual inspection: Visual inspection is the simplest and most common method for
detecting MIC. It involves looking for signs of corrosion on metal surfaces, such as pitting,
discoloration, and cracking.

Microbiological testing: Microbiological testing involves collecting samples of metal

surfaces and equipment and analyzing them for the presence of microorganisms that can
cause MIC. Techniques such as DNA analysis, microscopy, and culturing can be used to
identify and quantify microorganisms.

Chemical analysis: Chemical analysis involves testing the chemical composition of metal
surfaces and equipment for the presence of corrosive byproducts produced by
microorganisms. Techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) can detect and quantify these
byproducts.

Electrochemical testing: Electrochemical testing involves measuring the corrosion rate of

metal surfaces and equipment using techniques such as electrochemical impedance
spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization resistance (PR). Changes in the corrosion rate can
indicate the presence of MIC.

Inspecting for MIC requires a combination of methods, including visual inspection,

microbiological testing, chemical analysis, and electrochemical testing. The choice of
method depends on the type of metal surface or equipment being inspected, the
severity of corrosion, and the suspected cause of corrosion.

Standards for MIC

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has developed several standards related to
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) in the oil and gas industry. Some of the
API standards that apply to MIC are:

API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry: This
 standard provides an overview of various damage mechanisms, including MIC, that can
affect fixed equipment in the refining industry. It covers the identification, inspection, and
mitigation of MIC in oil and gas production, refining, and distribution facilities.

API RP 939-C - Guidelines for Avoiding Sulfidation (Sulfidic) Corrosion Failures in Oil
Refineries: This standard provides guidelines for preventing sulfidation corrosion, a type of
corrosion that microorganisms can influence. The standard covers identifying sulfidation
corrosion mechanisms, inspection and monitoring techniques, and mitigation strategies.

API RP 14E - Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Offshore Production
Platform Piping Systems: This standard provides guidelines for the design and installation
of offshore production platform piping systems, including the prevention of corrosion,
including MIC. It covers material selection, coating and cathodic protection, and inspection
and maintenance techniques.

API RP 2A-WSD - Recommended Practice for Planning, Designing, and Constructing Fixed
Offshore Platforms - Working Stress Design: This standard provides guidelines for the
planning, designing, and constructing of fixed offshore platforms, including the prevention
of MIC. It covers selecting materials and coatings, inspection and monitoring techniques,
and mitigation strategies.

API has developed several standards that cover the prevention, identification, and
mitigation of MIC in the oil and gas industry. These standards provide guidelines and best
practices for designing, constructing, and maintaining equipment and structures to
prevent corrosion caused by microorganisms.

The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) has developed several

standards related to Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) in various
industries. Some of the NACE standards that apply to MIC are:

NACE Standard TM0194-2014 - Laboratory Methods for Evaluating the Resistance of

Metallic Materials to MIC: This standard provides guidelines for laboratory methods to
evaluate the susceptibility of metallic materials to MIC. The standard covers the
preparation of test specimens, inoculation techniques, and test methods for assessing the
resistance of materials to MIC.

NACE Standard RP0775-2005 - High-Performance Coatings for Steel Pipelines for

Corrosion Control: This standard provides guidelines for selecting and applying high-
performance coatings to steel pipelines to prevent MIC. The standard covers coating
selection, surface preparation, application procedures, and inspection and testing
methods.
NACE Standard SP0104-2014 - Standard Practice for Preparing Steel Surfaces for Coating:
This standard provides guidelines for preparing steel surfaces before applying coatings to
prevent corrosion, including MIC. The standard covers surface cleaning, surface
preparation, and coating application procedures.

NACE Standard RP0169-2017 - Control of External Corrosion on Underground or

Submerged Metallic Piping Systems: This standard provides guidelines for the design,
installation, and maintenance of underground or submerged metallic piping systems to
prevent external corrosion, including MIC. The standard covers coating and cathodic
protection, monitoring and testing methods, and maintenance and repair procedures.

NACE has developed several standards that cover the prevention, identification, and
mitigation of MIC in various industries, including oil and gas, water treatment, and
chemical industries. These standards provide guidelines for material selection, coating, and
cathodic protection, inspection and testing methods, and maintenance and repair
procedures to prevent corrosion caused by microorganisms.

Tobey Wood 1y
Venture Capital | xGoldman Sachs | xTechstars

Randall Stremmel - would love to connect! super interesting post!

Like · Reply 2 Reactions

Torben Lund Skovhus 1y

Docent and Project Manager at VIA University College

FYI: TM0194 has a wrong notation of title and content; TM0212 and TM0106 wound be even more
relevant to mention; as they focus specifically on MIC, TM0194 is about microbiological test
methods (not specific to MIC). Just for the clarification. Br Torben Skovhus (AMPP SC-22 Chair on
Biodeteriation)

Like · Reply 5 Reactions

S.Sankara Narayanan 1y
Technical Consultant

In my opinion MIC: Microbiologically Induced Corrosion is classified under Anaerobic type of

Corrosion! Thank you so much🙏🌹

Like · Reply 2 Reactions

pikk 1y

Thanks for Sharing! 😁 Randall Stremmel

Like · Reply 2 Reactions

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