03-19: Experience With On-Line Monitoring of Biofilms in Plant Applications

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) of piping and heat exchanger materials in cooling waters has caused expensive unplanned outages, the need for local repairs, and, in some cases, complete system replacement.  The control of biofilm on surfaces is the most effective tool for mitigating MIC, as well as for maintaining heat transfer in heat exchangers.  Optimized treatments require accurate, on-line monitoring of biofilm activity.  Plant experience with an electrochemical biofilm sensor with integrated data acquisition and data analysis capabilities for monitoring biofilm activity on metallic surfaces and the use of that tool for optimizing biocide additions is described.