Biofilm Corrosion Management

Tyler Advanced Corrosion Technologies (TACT) is an industry-leading corrosion management company using advanced scientific methods for monitoring and treating microbiologically induced corrosion and fouling caused by biofilms.

With our parent company, Tyler Research Corporation, we have over 30 years’ experience in the design, development and implementation of biofilm devices. Our products are used worldwide in land-based and offshore drilling rigs, pipelines, pulp mills, water treatment plants and onboard NASA manned space flight missions.

Biofilm Devices

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Why Worry About Biofilms?

Contrary to popular belief, most industrial corrosion is not the result of simple oxidation (rusting) but is caused by the metabolic processes of surface biofilms. These are collections of tiny microorganisms that attach themselves to surfaces and excrete a slimy, glue-like substance that contributes to corrosion, fouling and structural failure of materials and infrastructures.

Biofilm related problems cost industry billions of dollars annually by corroding pipes and plugging systems, resulting in equipment failures, environmental damage and lost revenue.

Our process begins by collecting biofilm samples from pipelines and related installations. We then isolate and analyze the microorganisms present to determine which of the hundreds of different bacteria capable of colonizing surfaces are contaminating the industrial site so that an effective regimen can be created to control these populations and mitigate damage.

How we do it

Spliced into existing infrastructures, Tyler Biofilm Devices (TACT Tools) mimic the conditions found in the problem site, establishing a testable environment which is colonized by the same microorganisms infecting the industrial process or physical plant. The cloned biofilms are then harvested and cultured in a laboratory setting so that effective treatment regimens can be designed and tested.

Benefits

Implementing the treatment process at the original site with continuous monitoring ensures that the infection is effectively contained. Anticipatory strategies can also be established to preserve a clean industrial environment while supporting the responsible use of biocides. The result is fewer leaks and equipment failures, extended infrastructure life, improved compliance with environmental regulations and reduced operating costs.

Our Process

TACT Engineering has developed many specialized applications for Tyler devices, all of which are intended for in-line growth, sampling and analysis of biofilms in industrial and laboratory environments.

Tyler biofilm devices (TACT Tools) are designed to operate in a wide variety of industrial environments and can accommodate pressures to 3000 psi (or to 5000 psi with a simple change out of ball valves and gauge). These are ideal for identifying and treating acute and chronic cases of microbiologically induced corrosion and fouling. Our biofilm devices are customizable to meet the needs of our customers. However, we offer a range of standard devices that are suitable to most environments.

Our TACT Tools are spliced into pipelines either integrally or as side stream devices. Fluids pass through the tool under conditions identical to those of the main pipeline, thus ensuring that the biofilm growth is equivalent in both environments. For acute studies TACT Tools may be left in place for days or weeks, or they may be permanently installed for chronic or continuous monitoring applications. Typically, time course sampling is performed, with replicate samples removed and replaced with sterile coupons on a precisely defined schedule.

Sampling

Biostuds, contained in special sampling ports, are introduced and extracted from the biofilm manifold according to tactical schedules developed by our scientists. In a process requiring less than a minute, exposed biostuds are removed and transferred to special shipping cassettes for analysis at TACT Engineering, with sterile biostuds replacing them in the TACT Tool so that the time course can be continued indefinitely.

Supplied in sterile packs or in bulk, biostuds are available in a wide variety of materials and surface finishes designed to mirror precisely the conditions found inside the structure being tested.

Analysis

Populated biostuds, extracted from TACT Tools at the site and shipped via courier to TACT Engineering in special cassettes, are cultured and analyzed in our laboratories. We perform microbiological assays to characterize the biofilm(s) as to type and relative health, for example, and test protocols for treatment to control them in the field.

TACT Engineering produces a report along with treatment recommendations for eradication and control of the biofilm. Chronic installations permit long-term monitoring of infrastructure health with the potential for fine tuning biocide applications to maintain optimal conditions and protect the environment.