Biocorrosion

Microorganisms inevitably contaminate units in contact with water. When microorganisms are attached on such surfaces, they formed the so-called biofilms. The physico-chemical nature of this biofilm is significantly different from the one of the environmental water.

This corrosion, called biocorrosion or bacterial corrosion, is localized, develops quickly (a pitting due to bioccorrosion can increase by 1cm per year) and always causes a reduction of the life span of industrial units and an increase of their functioning costs.

How does biocorrosion occur?

It occurs in presence of:

1. An environment with unknown properties : seawater, fresh water, fat;
2. With a material compatible with its exposure conditions : metallic material concrete, composites;
3. With unexpected microorganisms: bacteria, micro-algae, moistures, mushrooms.

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The annual cost of biocorrosion in France is an estimated 5 billions €, around 10% of the general corrosion cost.