10/23/2007 -
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (2007)
by Brenda J. Little and Jason S. Lee, editors
ISBN 978-0-471-77276-7, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ. 2007. Hardcover. 279 pages. $79.95.
It is a challenge to locate authoritative information on microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). There are some technical articles available, but many of them are contradictory. This book offers a wealth of information on the topic and presents unbiased discussion of all aspects of this particularly confusing type of corrosion. The authors have written an excellent resource for engineers and scientists solving problems in this field. Brenda J. Little is a senior scientist for Marine Molecular Processes at the Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, and serves on the editorial board for Biofouling and is a National Association of Corrosion Engineers Fellow. Jason S. Lee is materials and corrosion engineer at the Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.
The book is divided into ten chapters that cover topics such as biofilm formation, causative organisms, diagnosing MIC, electrochemical techniques, approaches for monitoring MIC, impact of alloying elements to susceptibility of MIC, design features the determine MIC, case histories, MIC of nonmetallics, and strategies to prevent or mitigate MIC.
The first chapter discusses the formation of biofilm with a focus on the biological aspect, including aerobic and anaerobic organisms. The harmful by-products include NO2, N2O, SO4, S, acetate, and methane, and water.
The second chapter addresses the causative organisms and possible mechanisms for corrosion. Specific bacteria are discussed and their production of acids and by-products and possible dealloying effects. In particular, organisms that interact with iron, copper, and silver are elucidated. Oxygen concentration cells and sulfide production are largely culpable with regards to MIC. Bacteria can be classified as sulfide-reducing (SRB) or sulfur-oxidizing (SOB) or acid-producing (APB).
Diagnosing MIC is probably the most challenging of all the various types of corrosion; this is due to the fact that the corroded surface does not take on a unique appearance. The pits that form are similar in size and shape to pits caused by other types of corrosion. The most demonstrative technique is to actually locate and identify some of the organisms present.
The most fascinating chapter from a metallurgical point of view is the one on alloying elements and their susceptibility to MIC. The chapter provides an excellent discussion on various alloy systems and how particular elements are more prone to MIC than others. The alloy systems include iron, copper, nickel, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. One bit of detail is that titanium and its alloys are impervious to MIC.
Each chapter concludes with a summary and an extensive list of references. Both of these add to the value of the book and demonstrate the level of involvement and knowledge / experience of the authors. The entire book is replete with diagrams and sketches showing how the biological mechanisms work, which is quite illustrative and informative for the layman’s edification. This book is strongly recommended for engineers and scientists that design components that might be exposed to MIC and for those that solve MIC issues that occur in the field. This book would also make an excellent text in a metallurgical or corrosion related course at the graduate level.
For more on Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion, visit the John Wiley & Sons web site.
|
