An evaluation of microbial growth and corrosion of 316L SS in glycol/seawater mixtures.
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.
Lee
Jason S
JS
Naval Research Laboratory/Code 7303/7330, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, USA. jason.lee@nrlssc.navy.mil
Ray
Richard I
RI
Lowe
Kristine L
KL
Jones-Meehan
Joanne
J
Little
Brenda J
BJ
D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D003343:Corrosion; D006018:Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry*; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000737:chemistry*
D006018:Glycols; D013193:Stainless Steel