Microbiologically
Influenced Corrosion (MIC) Mitigation Services
BIoGEORGE™ Probe and Typical Output Signal
The
Problem: MIC and biological fouling can severely
damage plant components, increasing downtime and operating
costs. Current water treatment schemes are usually arbitrary
and overly conservative, sometimes approaching non-compliance
with discharge regulations.
The
Solution: Optimize water treatment concentration
and frequency by accurately monitoring biofilm activity on-line
in real-time.
The most
common approach to MIC mitigation is to chemically treat the
water or other fluid. Chemical costs for a large process facility
are often on the order of $1,000,000 per year. The toxicity
of these chemicals is always a concern for plant personnel
and for the environment, resulting in close scrutiny and control
of effluents and chemical inventories by regulators, environmental
agencies, and plant owners.
SI utilizes the BIoGEORGE system for monitoring
biofilm activity on typical metallic surfaces. The system
consists of a probe, its controller, an on-line data acquisition
and data analysis system, and associated software. The probe
is operated such that biofilm formation forms more rapidly
on probe surfaces than on plant piping and heat exchanger
tubes. As a result, maintaining the probe in a clean condition
assures that the pipe work and heat exchangers are clean.
The standard
probe is installed into a piping system, heat exchanger water
box, cooling tower, or side stream via a 2-inch threaded connection.
The probes can also be built to insert into "hot tap"
type fittings (slightly larger than 1-inch access port).
SI offers
MIC Mitigation Services, which are tailored to specific plant
needs, or BIoGEORGE systems for purchase. We also presents
workshops on the important concerns of cooling water system
corrosion, including MIC. They are practical, down-to-earth
and full of helpful suggestions on identifying and controlling
all forms of corrosion MIC.
For more
information on SI's MIC Mitigation Services or the BIoGEORGE system, please contact SI.
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