The Characterization of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) Under Cathodic Protection Conditions.

Abstract

The goal of the present research is to investigate the effectiveness of cathodic protection in preventing, halting, or limiting the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of carbon steel substrates in seawater. MIC is defined as the corrosion resulting from the interaction of bacteria, especially Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB), and their biological end products with metal surfaces. In order to address this problem, four key issues are being investigated. Firstly, the chemical and electrochemical conditions beneath biofilm must be determined. Secondly, the thermodynamic conditions necessary at the surface of the substrate for cathodic protection to be effective must be known. Thirdly, the process by which SRB colonize and adhere to steel surfaces needs to be examined. Finally, the effectiveness of impressed current cathodic protection techniques on inhibiting corrosion due to the presence of biofilms and tubercles on the carbon steel surface must be investigated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA319382

Entities

People

  • Digby D. Macdonald
  • Richard Unz

Organizations

  • Pennsylvania State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Carbon Steels
  • Cathodic Protection
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Data Acquisition
  • Electrochemical Cells
  • Environment
  • Equations
  • Films
  • Impedance
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Molecular Weight
  • Photoelectrochemical Cells
  • Sodium Compounds

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Microbial Pathology
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology