The biofouling characteristics of Copper alloys have made them one of the most recommended types for cooling systems using natural estuary waters. However, there have been cases of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) in these alloys, caused by Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB). This article presents the results obtained from an evaluation of MIC carried out on two copper - based alloys: “Al-Brass” ASTM B-111 UNS C68700 and Cu-Ni 9010 ASTM B-111 UNS C70800 exposed to the waters of Lake Maracaibo. Microorganisms, organic matter and a high oxygen content make these waters highly mrrosive (180 mpy / carbon steel). The evaluation was carried out on A!-Brass tubes after ten years in service in the surface condensers of a steam generating system and for a six-month period on two continuous-flow systems (Test Racks).
Results indicate a need to continue the search for more resistant materials because the copper-based alloys under evaluation are not resistant to Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion.
Key Words: Failure Analyais, Biocorrosion, Sulfate Reducing Bacteria, Copper-based Alloye, Estuary Water, A1-Braes, Cu-Ni 90:10