Mistras Group
When PoD Matters – Microbially Induced Corrosion
Posted:
By: Gareth Mugford
Source: Eddyfi Technologies
Quality assurance during manufacturing is being extended to online inspection and integrity management for aging plants given the increased awareness of the consequences of in-service damage mechanisms. Microbially Induced Corrosion, or MIC, is a common problem in carbon steel pipelines, often causing isolated corrosion pitting due to biological growth. The main risk of MIC is its ability to eat through a pipe or tube wall in a matter of weeks, particularly if equipment is left with stagnant, untreated water. MIC can be difficult to detect due to its isolated and narrow nature.

The Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) industry has seen a step change in the last couple of decades. For many years NDT was primarily recognized for quality assurance during manufacturing, and therefore equipment and training requirements were focused on evaluating critical components during fabrication. However, with facilities operating beyond their intended design life and a better understanding of the impact of in-service damage mechanisms, the NDT industry has shifted towards online inspection and integrity management.

Microbially induced corrosion is a worldwide in-service integrity problem, commonly found in carbon steel pipelines and dead legs. It often manifests as isolated corrosion pitting caused by biological growth. The main risk of MIC is its ability to penetrate a pipe or tube wall at an alarmingly fast rate, especially if equipment is left with stagnant, untreated water in it. MIC can take many forms, but It is often very isolated, narrow and is commonly referred to as the ‘needle in the haystack’.

Read more at Eddyfi.com.

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