Microbiologically Influenced corrosion (MIC) and microbiological fouling of piping and heat exchanger materials is a common and often costly problem in industrial cooling water and process water systems. MIC failures have caused expensive unplanned outages, the need for
local repairs, and, in some cases, complete system replacement. The control ofbiofllm on surfaces has been shown to be the most effective tool for mitigating MIC as well as for maintaining heat transfer in heat exchangers. The most common method for control of microbiological fouling is the use of oxidizing biocides. Effluent limits and the corrosion
penalties associated with their use drive users toward optimizing treatments in order to control biofilm effectively while meeting discharge limitations and without incurring excessive corrosion due to the treatment. Optimized treatments require accurate monitoring of biofilm
activity. An electrochemical biofilm sensor with integrated data acquisition and data analysis capabilities has been developed to provide plant owners with a tool for monitoring biofilm activity on metallic surfaces - a useful method for predicting system conditions and for controlling biocide additions. Results from laboratory and plant installations are described.
Implementation strategies for the use of the system to provide satisfactory microbiological control at the lowest cost.