UNDERSTANDING

MIC
(Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion)

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OVERVIEW
CORROSION DEFINITIONS
WHAT IS MIC (Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion)
HOW TO IDENTIFY MIC
HOW TO CONTROL MIC
RUMORS RELATED TO MIC/DURO-SEAL
DOES JOTUNs DURO-SEAL SUPPORT OR
PROPAGATE MIC
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CORROSION DEFINITIONS
Corrosion requires four entities
-

Anode
Cathode
Direct Metal Path
Electrolyte

Types of Corrosion
-

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General Corrosion
Localized Pitting Corrosion
Under Deposit Corrosion or Deposition (Anaerobic) Corrosion

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CORROSION WORKS SIMILARLY TO THEY WAY A BATTERY WORKS

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MIC FORMATION/DEGREDATION IS SIMILAR TO THE

OPERATION OF AN AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY

1. The Crusty Top Hat (or outside Tubercle) is the frame or membrane that houses bacteria.
2. The Direct Metal Path is the metallic connection of the cathodic area at the top of the pit to the anodic
area at the pit bottom.
3. The steel becomes the anode in lieu of lead storage plates and the sacrificial Positive anode.
4. The electrolyte is water and later as the micro-organisms form, is acid water (Sometimes sulphuric).
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WHAT IS MIC?
MIC is corrosion initiated or accelerated by microorganisms.
MIC is caused by specific genera of bacteria which feed on
nutrients and other elements found in Fresh and Salt water.
It is generally understood that microorganisms
(bacteria and fungi) are found living in almost every aqueous
(water)environment on earth, but this does not mean that all
species are directly or indirectly corrosive to steel.
Microorganisms require water to propagate (live)

NO WATER..NO MIC CORROSION !

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TYPES OF MICROORGANISMS
THAT PRODUCE MIC
Acid Producing Bacteria (APBs-Aerobic or Facultative Anaerobic)
Sulfate-reducing Bacteria (SRBs)
Iron or Manganese Bacteria
Slime Formers

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SRB CORROSION

Pit Corrosion is not constant. In Barges where APBs and SRBs have been
identified, some tanks and/or wet voids may have high levels of APBs (Acid
Producing Bacteria) whereas others may have high levels of SRBs (Sulfate Reducing
Bacteria). In either case, high levels of microbial activity are within the restricted
confines of the crater. SRBs frequently use the acidity of the APBs as nutrient.
Higher temperatures stimulate growth. Crusty Top Hats are usually found capping
pit craters. Rates as high as 11 mm (430 mils or 0.433 inches) in one year have been
found in certain instances.
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WHAT IS REQUIRED TO SUPPORT MIC

(Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion)

Microorganisms are required to produce MIC.

Three requirements to produce microorganisms are:
Microorganisms require water to propagate.
Microorganisms require a food source to propagate.
Microorganisms require specific environments to
propagate such as water temperature and stagnant
conditions.
TWO OF THESE THREE ELEMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN RIVER WATER.

NO RIVER WATER.NO MIC CORROSION!

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MECHANISMS OF MIC

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Planktonic Bacteria
Inclusion and Receptor Sites
Sessile Bacteria
Synergistic Colony Formation
Nodules (Tubercles)
Pit Propagation

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BACTERIA TYPES
Aerobic Bacteria
(Pseudomonas Type)

Anaerobic Bacteria
(Clostridium Type)

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HOW TO IDENTIFY MIC

Experts need to use all three of the following confirmation tests
to identify MIC.
Chemical-Test directly for pH, organic acids and test indirectly
(test byproducts) for iron sulfide.
Biological-Several methods available. The most common are the MIC Field
Kit and/or microbiological culturing. (Requires 28 days or more
to produce results.)
Metallurgical-Visually identify shiny metal underneath corrosion products.
MIC cannot be identified purely by use of a MIC Kit alone!
The cost of Proper inspections to identify MIC by MIC Experts can be can be
$$Thousands$$ of Dollars Per Vessel!

KEEPING YOUR VOIDS CLEAN AND DRY WILL PREVENT MIC!

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This photo illustrates an area that has been cleaned and shows minimal
general corrosion, intact mill scale, and intact coating. It also demonstrates
rust staining over the intact coating. There is no evidence of MIC.
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IDENTIFYING MIC

Try to identify what this inspector is holding. Is it a MIC Tubercle?

What the inspector is holding is actually thought to be river
mud and no MIC was present.
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WHO IS QUALIFIED TO TEST FOR MIC?

Personnel who have had formal training and experience
in the identification of the;
1. Chemical,
2. Biological, and
3. Metallurgical,
should always perform testing for the characteristics of
MIC.
FIELD TESTS ALONE CANNOT CONFIRM MIC. LABORATORY
TESTING MUST BE USED TO CONCLUDE MIC CORROSION DUE
IN PART TO MICROBIOLOGICAL CULTURING PERIODS OF
28 DAYS OR MORE.
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Qualified barge inspectors use a wide range of instruments

to obtain data during the inspections.

(This is where it all started. Photo from FMT 3003)

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MINIMIZING MIC

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Routine inspections
Clean environment
Design of the barge
Barrier System
Chemical Treatments Through Green Chemistry
Maintain the Coating System
Other methods

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CONTROLLING MIC

Dehydration And Clean environment.

NO WATER-NO MIC CORROSION!

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RUMORS ABOUT MIC

1. MIC is new.
MIC is as old as steel itself and not new to the marine industry! Only the term MIC is
new (derived in the early 1980s) and was developed by the pipeline industry (and
others) to specifically identify this phenomenon.
2. MIC is a bacteria.
MIC is not a bacteria. MIC is a corrosion mechanism formed by a very few specific
types of microorganisms.
3. MIC is rampant in barges.
MIC is no more a phenomenon in barges than it is in waste water treatment systems, pipe
lines and even sprinkler systems. General corrosion is often confused with MIC in barges.
4. Wherever there are microorganisms there is MIC.
Only a very few specific microorganisms are associated with MIC. These
microorganisms must have water and be attached to the steel substrate to be harmful.
5. Bacteria on steel prior to coating causes MIC.
Bacteria are everywhere. Bacteria on steel alone do not cause MIC. MIC is a corrosion
mechanism that can take place only when the 3-criteria are met: Water, Food Source,
and a Specific Environment. A sound film of properly applied intact coatings do not deter
MIC.
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RUMORS ABOUT MIC AND DURO-SEAL

6. Microorganisms can grow under intact
coatings.
Environmental conditions that exist under intact industrial coatings are
not suitable to sustain growth of microorganisms resulting in MIC.
7. MIC is in Duro-Seal.
Extensive testing by several world-class laboratories have proven there are
no MIC producing microorganisms in Duro-Seal.
8. MIC eats Duro-Seal.
Duro-Seal with its Bees wax components have natural immunities to resist
microbiological degradation. Duro-Seal does not support the MIC phenomenon
as concluded by two separate independent laboratory studies.

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RUMORS ABOUT DURO-SEAL

9. Duro-Seal introduces water into voids.
The water contained in Duro-Seal does not accumulate, it evaporates and
dissipates during application and curing. Surveys conducted conclude that the
source of water accumulating in barges is the result of condensation, rain water,
river water, and/or seawater.
In addition, the water in Duro-Seal has an added ingredient. Used as a
solvent for the wax, Duro-Seal uses Inhibited Ammonia to keep the wax from
separating. This added ingredient doubles as a mild surface cleaner/disinfectant.
We all know that Inhibited Ammonia is an ANTIBACTERIAL and ANTIFUNGAL
agent. If anything, the steel substrate is more free of microorganisms after the
application of Duro-Seal than it is before application of Duro-Seal.
Duro-Seal also contains PROPOLIS-A natural antibacterial and antifungal used for
sterilization in Beeswax.

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RUMORS ABOUT DURO-SEAL

10. Duro-Seal is the only barge coating Jotun manufactures.
Jotun manufactures a wide variety of coatings for barge internals
and externals alike. These include a wide range of Inorganic
(including waterborne) and Organic Zinc Primers, Epoxies &
Surface Tolerant Epoxies, Alkyd, Acrylic Epoxy and Polyurethane
Finishes.
11. Jotun Paints is a small specialty manufacturer.
Jotun Paints is the second largest marine coatings manufacturer
in the world with 4,400 employees.
Our main research and development laboratory alone employs
over 250 technical personnel.
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WHAT IS DURO-SEAL?
Single Component Barrier Coat
35% solids (by volume), zero VOC
Non flammable, fits safety requirements
Environmentally benign
Does not support microbial or bacterial growth
Specifically designed as a void coating for the barge industry
Intended as a cost effective corrosion barrier over minimum
SP-2 prepared surfaces in voids
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OTHER QUESTIONS SPECIFICALLY ABOUT DURO-SEAL

1. What is the chemical composition of Duro-Seal?
Duro-Seal is a water-borne coating made of principally
Beeswax and other proprietary products.
2. Are there any petroleum-based products in Duro-Seal that
could be used as a food source?
NO.

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OTHER QUESTIONS SPECIFICALLY ABOUT DURO-SEAL

3. Is Beeswax resistant to microbial attacks in nature?
YES! BEESWAX CONTAINS PROPOLIS-A RESINOUS
SUBSTANCE THAT IS ANTIMICROBIAL IN
NATURE.
4. Is there any data to support Duro-Seal is resistant to
microbial attacks?
YES. SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
RESEARCH REPORTS.

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OTHER QUESTIONS SPECIFICALLY ABOUT DURO-SEAL

5. What in-can Biocides are used in Duro-Seal?
NONE NEEDED. BEESWAX AND INHIBITED AMMONIA ARE
ALL THAT ARE NEEDED AS PRESERVATIVES.
Furthermore, due to the strict requirements of Federal EPA, the addition of
Man-Made Biocides are regulated and may be used in very limited quantities
as a shelf-preservative. With this limitation, these small quantities will not be
effective for the purpose of killing MIC in the dry film.

If quantities of Biocide are used to be effective against MIC, the

product must be registered as a Pesticide. Worker Safety also becomes
an issue.
6. What film preservatives are used in Duro-Seal?
NONE NEEDED. BEESWAX HAS HAS PROPOLIS AS ONE
OF ITS NATURAL PRESERVATIVES!
7. Are there any sulfates in Duro-Seal?
NO!
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OTHER QUESTIONS SPECIFICALLY ABOUT DURO-SEAL

8. What is the solubility of Duro-Seal in water?

Duro-Seal in highly soluble in the can or in liquid form.

Duro-Seal becomes highly insoluble when fully cured.
9. What is the performance of Duro-Seal in immersion service?
Duro-Seal is recommended for Dry Voids. Duro-Seal is not
recommended for Ballast Tanks. This is primarily due to:
A. The minimal surface preparation of the surfaces to be
coated.
B. Duro-Seals low recommended film thickness for its
intended application.
C. The design of the barge itself-no continuous welds.
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DURO-SEAL TESTING IN A HUMIDITY CHAMBER

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DURO-SEAL EXPOSED TO SEAWATER

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WHAT TESTING HAS BEEN

PERFORMED ON DURO-SEAL?
Numerous tests for corrosion protection (including; salt fog exposure,
humidity cabinet tests, microscopy, carbon long-chain degradation tests, etc.)
have been performed by the following leading organizations.
Altran Laboratories
Jotun Paints
KTA TATOR
Southwest Research Institute
Trinity Marine Products
University of Southern Mississippi
They concluded that Jotun Duro-Seal meets or exceeds the individual
performance criteria in terms of corrosion resistance.

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WHAT TESTING HAS BEEN

PERFORMED ON DURO-SEAL?
Numerous tests for resistance to microbiological attack (including: salt fog
exposure, bubble test, humidity cabinet test, bacterial screening, bacterial
exposure testing, microscopy, carbon long-chain degradation tests, etc.) have
been performed by the following leading organizations.
Altran Laboratories
Jotun Paints
Southwest Research Institute
THEY CONCLUDED THAT JOTUN DURO-SEAL DOES NOT
SUPPORT OR PROMOTE THE MIC PHENOMENON.

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EXCERPTS FROM:
Evaluation of Possible Microbial Activity Leading to
Barge Corrosion
FINAL REPORT
SwRI TM Project 20.05444
Prepared for
Jotun Paints
9203 Highway 23
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Prepared by
Sean Brossia
Southwest Research Institute
6220 Culebra Road
San Antonio, TX 78228
Geri Becker
ABC Consulting
19910 Encino Grove
San Antonio, TX 78259
August 2002
S O U T H W E S T R E S E A R C H I N S T I T U T E TM
SAN ANTONIO
HOUSTON
DETROIT
WASHINGTON, DC
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The average carbon chain length for the virgin wax coating and coating samples that had been
inoculated with bacteria from the MIC kits and incubated for over 60 days were determined using
ASTM D2887. The average boiling point for each sample was then compared to a standard calibration
curve that establishes the relationship between boiling point and hydrocarbon chain length. The
results clearly showed no appreciable difference between the virgin and inoculated samples. If the
microbes were able to use the wax paint as a nutrient source, the average boiling point, and
thus the chain length, would decrease. As there is essentially no difference in the measured
boiling points for the samples, it can be concluded that the microbes did not use the wax paint
as a nutrient source.
Based on the results from this research, the following conclusions can be made:
1. The virgin wax paint does not contain any viable microorganisms. Thus, any organisms
collected in the void space of FMT 3003 are contaminants that were introduced during paint
application or barge operations. The most likely source is from barge operations as
discussed below.
2. All the organisms recovered from the void space (pseudomonas/aeromonas, vibrio, clostridium,
Fusarium oxysporum) are environmental in origin and are ubiquitous. In addition, the fungus
(Fusarium oxysporum) is predominantly found in soils and muds. Thus, since these organisms
are common to the environment, were not contained in the virgin paint, and in one case is
predominantly found in soil, the most likely cause of the contamination is barge operations
and the use of the void space as a ballast tank.
3. Based on analytical organic chemistry analyses, it is evident that the organisms present cannot (or
at
least do not) readily metabolize the wax paint as a nutrient source. Thus, even if MIC is playing a
causative role in the corrosion observed in FMT 3003, the wax coating is not aiding in this
process.

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To minimize and prevent future corrosion on double-hulled barges, the following recommendations are made:
Discontinue use of the void spaces as a ballast tank
Ensure adequate surface preparation prior to application of wax coating to ensure good adhesion and
minimize the risk of trapping moisture and other corrosive agents that may lead to corrosion underneath
the
paint
If void spaces are continued to be used as ballast spaces that will be exposed to fresh and/or salt waters,
incorporation of corrosion inhibitors and biocides should be considered
Inspections of void spaces for coating appearance and structural integrity should be conducted regularly
References
ASTM International. ASTM D2887-01a, Standard Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of
Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography (2002). G.S. de Hoog, J. Guarro, J. Gene, and M. J. Figueras.
Atlas of Clinical Fungi, 2nd ed, vol. 1. Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Utrecht, The Netherlands
(2000). N.J.E. Dowling, J. Guezennec, and D.C. White, Microbial Problems in the Offshore Oil Industry,
p. 27-38, E.C. Hill, J.L. Shennan, and R.J. Watkinson Eds., Wiley: Chichester, England (1987)
C.C. Gaylarde and H.A. Videla, International Biodeterioration, 23, p. 91-104 (1987).
C.C. Gaylarde and J.M. Johnston, International Biodeterioration Bulletin, 18, p. 111-116 (1982).
C.H. Hare, Journal of Protective Coatings and Linings, p. 51-65, September (2000).
G. Hernandez-Duque, A. Pederson, D. Thierry, M. Hermansson, and V. Kucera, in Microbially
Influenced Corrosion and Biodeterioration, p. 2.41-2.51, N.J. Dowling, M.W. Mittelman, and J.C.
Danko Eds., NACE International: Houston, Texas (1990). B. Little and R. Ray, in A Practical Manual on
Microbially Influenced Corrosion, Volume 2, p. 2.1-2.6, J.G. Stoecker Ed. NACE International: Houston, Texas
(2001). J.I. Pitt, A. D. Hocking, K. Bhudhasamai, B. F. Miscamble, K. A. Wheeler, and P. Tanboon-Ek.
International Journal of Food Microbiology. 23, p. 35-43 (1994). J.S. Smart, Journal of Protective Coatings
and Linings, p. 56-64, February (1997). R.W. Staehle and B.J. Little, in Proceedings of the Corrosion/2002
Research Topical Symposium on Microbially Influenced Corrosion, p. 33-96, B. Little Ed., NACE International:
Houston,
Texas (2002).
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