Microbial corrosion of DSS 2205 in an acidic chloride environment under continuous flow

Corrosion under flow conditions is a major problem in the transportation industry. Various studies have shown the direct impact of different flow rates on bacteria biofilm formation, mass transfer and resulting different corrosion behaviour of materials in neutral environments. However, little is understood on corrosion under acidic flow conditions. This study investigated the impact of an acidic artificial seawater environment containing Desulfovibrio vulgaris on DSS 2205 microbial corrosion under different velocities (0.25 m.s-1 and 0.61 m.s-1). Experiments containing no bacteria were performed as controls. Bacterial attachment was observed by optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Materials corrosion was assessed using open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization. Pits formed after potentiodynamic test were observed under SEM. The largest area of bacterial attachment was found on coupons immersed at a velocity of 0.25 m.s-1; however, the corrosion rate was lower than at higher velocity. Shallow pits occurred in the metal coupons when bacteria were present, while deep pits occurred in the controls. The study indicates the positive impact of biofilm formation in corrosion prevention of materials under acidic condition. The nature of corrosion behaviour of duplex stainless is discussed.