Unlike any other similar courses on MIC (micro-biologically influenced corrosion), an important feature of Microbial Corrosion Masterclass – in addition to a review of electrochemical corrosion for industry applicants – is the emphasizing upon “myths” and misunderstandings related to recognition and treatment of MIC.

Read the interview about Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion and Microbial Corrosion Masterclass with the trainer Dr. Reza Javaherdashti.

Corrosion rates associated with MIC could be 4 to 5 mm/yr or even more. This will both shorten the service life and decrease the impact of integrity sustaining measures. After all, approximately 6000 US dollars are lost every day in each company as a result of corrosion.

During this two day course, practical measures against MIC in new and operating systems will be discussed with a top ranked trainer Dr. Reza Javaherdashti, who has more than 19 years of experience in corrosion management in various industries around the world.

Special features:
- Several case studies
- Practical examples
- Group works
- Shot tests at the beginning of each day targeting the topic of the day
- Extensive course manual

See the key topics or request the full PDF agenda.

“MIC (Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion) is believed to account for 20% of the damage caused by corrosion. At a national level microbial corrosion is estimated to cost the Qatari economy around $800 million annually.

MIC has the capability of reducing the service life span of pipelines by a typical factor of 15%. MIC has been observed as one of the major causes of underground pipeline corrosion.
Sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) have been reported to be responsible for extensive corrosion in hydrocarbon industry. SRB can not only attack utility systems (even with added biocide) but also gas and oil pipelines.
While SRB are the most studied class of corrosion enhancing micro-organisms, there are other classes of micro-organisms that can affect corrosion rates. There are other types of corrosion-enhancing bacteria such as iron-reducing bacteria, iron-oxidizing bacteria, nitrifying bacteria, methanogenic bacteria and so on.
Almost all known engineering materials (from carbon steel to stainless and duplex stainless steels and also non-ferrous metals such as copper alloys and non-metals such as some polymers and concrete) are susceptible to MIC. In the presence of corrosion-related bacteria, steel can experience corrosion rates from about 1mm/yr to extreme cases of 10 mm/yr.

Detrimental impacts of MIC can be enhanced through “inappropriate” practice of welding, hydrostatic testing and material/coating selection.
Traditional mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of corrosion can be classified as physical (such as pigging) and chemical (use of biocides).

There are also some new technologies that may assist mitigation. These technologies are basically based on using certain biological technologies (such as use of “good” bacteria against corrosion-related bacteria). These methods are still new and although they have been employed in some industrial situations, they are still far from commercialized applications.”

Dr. Reza Javaherdashti- Research Associate/Assistant Professor, Materials Technology Unit, Office of Research, University of Qatar