Fire Sprinkler Systems Corrosion Risk Assessment
Consultant -Driven Solutions for Fire Sprinkler Corrosion Detection and Prevention
How is MIC Different from Other Types of Corrosion?
Corrosion is a general term that can include oxidation, cathodic etching and biologically influenced water chemistry changes. The most common form of corrosion in the built environment is oxygen cell corrosion.
Oxygen Cell Corrosion
Found throughout the built environment.
What Happens
Steel piping contacts oxygen and water, triggering a reaction that produces iron oxide (rust) through a positive-charge reaction.
Common Causes
- Oxygen and water exposure
- Environmental conditions
Cathodic Corrosion
Occurs when piping becomes negatively charged.
What Happens
Ferrous piping becomes negatively charged, creating an electrochemical reaction that accelerates deterioration.
Common Causes
- Inadequate grounding of water systems
- Contact with dissimilar metals
MIC
The most intrusive and difficult to resolve.
What Happens
Bacteria and other microbes form biofilms on metal surfaces, feeding on nutrients in the water and creating a corrosive environment
Common Causes
- Changes in water chemistry that introduce oxygen and nutrients
- Bacteria feeding on pipe metal in anaerobic environments
What is MIC?
Microbiologically influenced Corrosion (MIC) occurs when microbes form bacterial colonies inside fire sprinkler system piping. Over time, MIC can degrade or cause failure in systems such as boilers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, process piping, and fire protection systems. It leads to premature metal failure in both wet and dry sprinkler and standpipe systems. MIC can actively or passively attack steel piping, and active infections will continue spreading unless treated. Contributing factors include pH, material defects, nutrients, temperature, low flow, and oxygen levels.
Three Categories of Service
Each of these packages addresses specific challenges to cost-effectively managing corrosion impairments and preventing interruption of occupancy in affected buildings. From the earliest stages of new project conceptual design to the ongoing demands of property management and maintenance, Corrosolve is your strategic partner in fire and life safety programming.
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Investigation
Comprehensive assessment of water quality, system conditions, degree of impairment and scope of necessary repairs.
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Remediation
Removal and replacement of system piping determined to be irreparable. Chemically clean, then treat system the system water with corrosion inhibitor solution.
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Ongoing Inspections, Testing, and Maintenance
On an annual basis, inspect system conditions and conduct corrosion inhibitor solution sampling, to assure piping integrity for the life of the system.
