COURSE OVERVIEW:

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is one of the most aggressive and least understood forms of degradation affecting pipelines, storage tanks, and cooling water systems. This course provides a comprehensive scientific and engineering guide to identifying the presence of corrosive microbes and implementing effective control strategies. Participants will explore the complex biology of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB), Acid-Producing Bacteria (APB), and Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria (IOB), focusing on how these organisms create localized environments that accelerate metal loss by orders of magnitude compared to standard abiotic corrosion.

The scope of this training involves the integration of microbiological sampling, chemical analysis, and metallurgical inspection.

Coverage includes the formation of biofilms, the chemistry of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and the resulting pitting morphologies characteristic of MIC. Participants will learn how to distinguish MIC from other damage mechanisms, such as CO2 or H2S corrosion, through specialized laboratory techniques and field observation. The curriculum addresses the unique challenges of MIC in diverse environments, from stagnant firewater systems and "dead-legs" to subsea flowlines and fuel storage tanks.

Detailed coverage is provided on the "Detection and Mitigation" toolkit, including the latest molecular microbiological methods (MMM) such as qPCR and DNA sequencing alongside traditional culturing techniques. The course teaches participants how to design and optimize biocide treatment programs, utilize mechanical pigging for biofilm removal, and select materials that are less susceptible to microbial colonization. By analyzing real-world case studies of MIC-induced failures, attendees will develop a proactive management framework that combines monitoring, prevention, and remediation to protect critical infrastructure from this silent and rapid threat.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Identify the primary types of bacteria responsible for MIC in industrial systems.
• Explain the mechanism of biofilm formation and its role in accelerating corrosion.
• Categorize the characteristic pitting morphologies and metallurgical signs of MIC.
• Execute effective sampling protocols for water, pigging debris, and corrosion products.
• Interpret laboratory results from traditional culturing and advanced DNA-based methods.
• Differentiate MIC from purely chemical or mechanical degradation mechanisms.
• Evaluate the susceptibility of different materials and alloys to microbial attack.
• Design and monitor biocide treatment programs (oxidizing vs. non-oxidizing).
• Implement mechanical cleaning and pigging strategies for biofilm control.
• Assess the risk of MIC in "dead-legs," stagnant lines, and hydrotest fluids.
• Develop a comprehensive MIC Management Plan as part of an asset integrity system.
• Utilize electrochemical monitoring tools to detect early-stage microbial activity.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is designed for Corrosion Engineers, Asset Integrity Specialists, Materials Engineers, Microbiologists working in industry, and Water Treatment Professionals. It is also highly relevant for Pipeline Engineers, Facility Managers, and Maintenance Supervisors who oversee systems prone to microbial activity, such as cooling water loops, firewater systems, and oil and gas production facilities.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.