Bioprobe (Biological Probes)
Microbiological Activity Control arises from the enhancement of the metallic corrosion rate due to aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
Aerobic bacteria produce sulphuric acid that aids localized corrosion anaerobic bacteria produce hydrogen sulphide acid that aids pitting corrosion and that is the most prominent agent in Hydrogen-Induced-Corrosion (HIC).
Biological probe detects the presence and growth of bacteria colonies on metal surfaces. It consists of steel studs mounted in a PTFE head screwed on a AISI 316 body; it is designed for flush mounting in a pipeline.
Quantitative Analysis is obtained by means of electrical current measurements; Qualitative Analysis performed on the studs removed from the process after a certain time of exposure allows the operator to identify and to count different kinds of bacteria colonies present.
Biological corrosion monitoring is not affected by the errors due to medium analysis, and it is very useful to control the results of biocide treatments.