Basic Data Comments

Operating temperature MIC is unlikely at temperatures over 170F

Water Analysis Complete water analysis will tell if
1. Food sources exist (sulfate, sulfite, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate,
or organic carbon)
2. Organic acids are present and may indicate APB activity
3. Salinity is too high (>6% by weight) to support colonial
growth. Chlorides may facilitate any under deposit corrosion
Chemical treatment Some corrosion inhibitors, at high concentrations, can also protect
against some types of MIC.
Biocide and surfactants can control MIC provided they can
contact the bacteria.
System cleaning Frequent pigging, tank clean-outs and effective solids removal i.e.
system cleanliness, more than any other factor will minimize the
affect of MIC.
Equipment lay-up and Lay-up procedures to minimize corrosion and MIC growth should
restart be followed. Flushing or hydrotesting without biocide present in
fresh water, brines or salt water can cause MIC.
Failure History Localized failures that take on the characteristic of pits in pits,
channels or tunneling in the rolled direction of the steel,
preferential weld attack and attack of MnS inclusions are
potential indicators of MIC.
Extraneous Fluids Extraneous fluids are often the source of bacteria or one of the
necessary nutrients for biological growth. Bacteria may also be
seed from airborne material if open to the atmosphere and there is
a lot of wind or dust. Untreated seawater injection, deck drain
sumps, open top tanks and some stimulation fluids are potential
sources of bacteria or nutrients.
Inspection results Tubercles found during inspection are prime indicators of MIC.
Slime (biofilms) adhering to equipment is a good indicator of
MIC
Monitoring data Positive Bug counts by dip slides, culture media, Rapid Check,
Sani Check or serial dilution are the most direct indicators of
MIC. If water samples alone are taken, the true MIC
concentrations will be much higher in deposited oils, waxes or
scales on the pipe surface than in the water samples.
Flow Rates High laminar or turbulent flow regimes will minimize MIC
attachment. But low flow areas and pipe diameter changes will
collect particulate and water therefore raising the risk of MIC
Figure 2 MIC Pitting in the
rolling direction of the
carbon steel
Figure 3 MIC showing pits
inside pits