An evaluation of microbial growth and corrosion of 316L SS in glycol/seawater mixtures

Biofouling. 2003 Apr:19 Suppl:151-60. doi: 10.1080/0892701031000078149.

Abstract

Glycol/seawater mixtures containing > 50% glycol inhibit corrosion of 316L stainless steel and do not support bacterial growth. The results indicate bacteria are able to use low concentrations of glycol (10%) as a growth medium, but bacterial growth decreased with increasing glycol concentration. Pitting potential, determined by anodic polarization, was used to evaluate susceptibility of 316L SS to corrosion in seawater-contaminated glycol. Mixture containing a minimum concentration of 50% propylene glycol-based coolant inhibited pitting corrosion. A slightly higher minimum concentration (55%) was needed for corrosion protection in ethylene glycol mixtures.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena*
  • Biofilms / growth & development*
  • Corrosion
  • Glycols / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Seawater / chemistry*
  • Stainless Steel / chemistry*

Substances

  • Glycols
  • Stainless Steel