Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a serious threat to the integrity of onshore transmission pipelines and can lead to unexpected failures. For this reason, DNV GL is calling for partners to collaborate in a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to develop a Recommended Practice for the detection and mitigation of MIC.
âTiny microorganisms can cause big headaches for onshore pipeline operators, since MIC leads to high corrosion rates at unpredictable locations along a pipeline. Even with well-functioning, long-running cathodic protection systems in place, MIC can still occurâ?, says Mirjam van Burgel, JIP project manager. âThough corrosion rates can be reduced, microbiological colonies responsible for MIC do not disappear completelyâ?, she continues.
Photo courtesy of DNV GL
The JIP will focus on preventing or alleviating MIC by exploring the role of coating condition and cathodic protection in the occurrence and prevention of MIC, and identify practical means to support pipeline operators in detecting possible MIC sites by testing and selecting the best measurement techniques. The project will also develop a decision-support tool to rank the risk of MIC-sensitive areas along a pipeline.
The final outcome of the JIP will be an industry-wide Recommended Practice (RP) establishing industry guidelines and recommendations to predict, detect and mitigate the occurrence of MIC.
