We need to break this question regarding microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) into two parts:
- How do we evaluate the problematic bacterium (including sulfate-reducing bacteria)?
- How do we remediate the bacterium and biofilms?
Modern techniques for monitoring MIC include optical sensors, organism identification by cell size and structure, and online ATP with predictive analysis (Learn about monitoring techniques in the article Testing For Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion in Pipelines).
Historically, remediation of the biofilms and bacterium included adding oxidizing chemicals (e.g., bleach, bromine, etc.) and non-oxidizing biocides. These were periodically fed into the asset to prevent the bacteria from settling on the surfaces and to prevent biofilm growth.
The use of biocides is very common in all industries today. More progressive companies are deploying encapsulated non-oxidizing biocides such as SUEZ Water Technologies and Solutions’ Spectrus TD1100 and TD1100e, which directly target the biofilms and facilitate biocide penetration into the biofilm. This dramatically reduces the overall cost of biocide applications, improves performance, and minimizes the quantity of biocides being handled by the operators.