Monitoring Biofilms in Real Time for Control of MIC and Heat Exchanger Fouling

摘要

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)of piping and heat exchanger materials in power plant cooling waters can cause expensive unplanned outages,the need for local repairs,and,in some cases,the need for complete system replacement.Biofouling of heat exchanger tubes also decreases overall plant efficiency and power output.The biocide additions necessary to mitigate biofouling and MIC increase costs,raise concerns over effluents,and can even increase corrosion.In this paper,an electrochemical biofilm sensor with integrated data acquisition and data analysis capabilities for monitoring biofilm activity on metallic surfaces is presented.Power plant and other industrial experience with this tool,including biocide optimization projects in plants,is described.