Inhibitor Delivery Exploiting Hydrophobic Interference For Simultaneous Corrosion Inhibition and Biofilm Removal--Eltron Research, Inc., 5660 Airport Boulevard, Boulder, CO 80301-2340; (303) 440-8008
Dr. Patrick I. James, Principal Investigator
Mr. Eileen E. Sammells, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82568
Amount: $74,996

Inhibition of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) currently requires sanitation, biofilm removal, and inhibition steps. Sanitation typically utilizes toxic, corrosive chemicals and requires treatment of the entire fluid bulk resulting in excessive chemical usage and waste production. This project is focused on the development of environmentally benign inhibitor formulations that will simultaneously dislodge preexisting biofilms and deliver the corrosion inhibitor(s) to the metal substrate surface while bypassing the sanitation step and the resulting treatment of the entire fluid bulk. The project will explore the feasibility of using oil-water-surfactant-inhibitor mixtures employing hydrophobic interference to achieve this goal cost effectively. Various components will be used at high concentration in the oil-water-surfactant-inhibitor mixtures to determine the effect of oil carbon bond saturation and oil chain length in the quaternary amine inhibitor on the mixture's effectiveness towards corrosion inhibition and biofilm removal. Concentration minimums and durations for effectiveness will be evaluated for three promising formulations.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Successful development of this inhibitor delivery strategy would reduce MIC inhibition costs and hazardous waste production, as well as corrosion costs. The technology should be applicable to a wide range of applications and would benefit oil and gas production, the food industry, paper processing, and the power and water utilities.