CORROSION BY MICROBIOLOGICAL ORGANISMS IN NATURAL WATERS

Characteristics of microscopic organisms known to cause metal attack are reviewed and several classes identified. Particular attention is given to sulfate reducing bacteria. Several case histories are given describing attacks on metals resulting from microbial activity, including water side attack on Ni heat exchanger tubing resulting from differential aeration cells under mud and silt deposits. Concentration of manganese and iron concentrating microbes near weld zones in austenitic stainless steel piping and tanks resulting from inadvertent exposures to contaminated well water caused leaks and/or deep pitting. Pits were cleaned and filled with appropriate weld metal. As a consequence of this experience, the practice at this plant is to use demineralized or high purity steam condensate or natural fresh water - in descending order of desirability - for hydrostatic testing. In all cases, water is removed after testing, and piping and tanks are blown or wiped dry. Bimetalic tubing is used for heat exchangers when the water side is exposed to natural waters likely to be contaminated with bacteria.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00941492
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented during Corrosion/76, March 22-26, 1967, Houston, Texas.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Association of Corrosion Engineers

  P.O. Box 1499
  Houston, TX  United States  77001
• Authors:
  • Kobrin, G
• Publication Date: 1976-7

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 38-42
• Serial:
  • Materials Performance (MP)
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: National Association of Corrosion Engineers
  • ISSN: 0094-1492
  • Serial URL: http://www.nace.org/Publications/Materials-Performance/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bacteria; Container tanks; Corrosion; Metals; Microorganisms; Pipe
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00142557
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 15 1976 12:00AM