Microbiologically influenced corrosion in the nuclear power industry

Cases of MIC have been reported involving many of the alloys and systems used in the nuclear industry. Consideration of the information from these cases, and those reported by other investigators, reveals that a large number of MIC cases involve carbon steel and stainless steels. Although insufficient information is available on the specific conditions which contribute to the occurrence and severity of MIC (e.g., operational modes, water chemistries, use of corrosion inhibitors and biocides), it is quite clear that the times when systems are off-line (e.g., during construction and during outages) represent periods of special risk. It is during these periods that many of the cases of MIC, especially of stainless steels, occur. The purpose of this paper is to provide examples from two cases which were extensively investigated and to review methods of detection, control and prevention