SBIR-STTR Award

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a very serious type of corrosion that often results in rapid and unexpected failure of wells, pipelines, tanks, and other equipment in oil, gas, electric generating, and chemical process industries. Present methods of treating MIC are expensive and use toxic chemicals (biocides). In addition, the treatment is applied to whole systems instead of targeting specific problem areas (hot spots). Of most concern is the fact that many biocide treatments, in real-world, energy-producing facilities, do not work very well. Previous research has demonstrated that a few film-forming amines (commonly used as corrosion inhibitors) can prevent the attachment of microbes to metal surfaces. Phase I will identify a group of amines which prevent this attachment, understand how the chemical structures of these amines contribute to their anti-colonization action, and determine how to use them in industrial settings.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:
Anti-microbial/colonization chemicals would find use in almost all energy-related industries, providing protection against both microbiologically influenced corrosion and generalized corrosion. These treatments would be much more effective and could reduce the cost of total corrosion prevention by as much as 50%. An advantage could also be created for United States chemical manufacturers in the production and sale of such chemicals worldwide.