Microbiologically influenced corrosion is an important factor in the pitting of types 304L and 316L stainless steel (SS) (UNS S30403 and UNS S31603) structures in a geothermal electric power plant operating at temperatures > 100℃. Several species of thermophilic bacteria were detected and isolated at different temperatures. Desulfotomaculum spp., isolated at the 50-MM power unit, contributed to pitting of the 304L SS surface condenser tubes. Unidentified thermophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria were detected in the geothermal water used to heat the organic fluid in the heat exchanger of the 1.5-MM binary-cycle power unit.
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