Effect of test media on the crevice corrosion of stainless steel by sulfate reducing bacteria

Abstract

Abstract The potential for crevice corrosion of UNS30400 stainless steel in the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was studied in different media. Immersion studies found crevice corrosion to occur in test media supplemented with high chloride levels and SRB present for crevice gaps of ~3 μm. Electrochemical measurements showed high susceptibility to corrosion in this particular medium, demonstrated by a negative shift of open circuit potential, increased corrosion current and the lowest passivity breakdown potential. Overall, the results showed that test media can play a critical role in the crevice corrosion of stainless steel in the presence of SRB.