The Significance of Microbial Corrosion in Diesel Tanks: Prevention and Management Strategies

Microbial corrosion, also known as microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), poses a significant threat to diesel storage tanks. It occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or algae colonize and interact with metallic surfaces, leading to accelerated corrosion. This article explores the importance of microbial corrosion in diesel tanks, the factors contributing to its occurrence, and strategies for controlling and managing its impact.

The Occurrence of Microbial Corrosion in Diesel Tanks

MIC is prevalent in diesel tanks due to several factors that promote microbial growth:

1. Water accumulation: Water can accumulate at the bottom of diesel tanks, providing an ideal environment for microbial growth (1).
2. Nutrient sources: Diesel fuel often contains trace amounts of organic compounds that serve as nutrients for microbes (2).
3. Temperature and pH: Optimal temperature and pH conditions within diesel tanks can support microbial growth and activity (3).

Consequences of Microbial Corrosion in Diesel Tanks

The consequences of MIC in diesel tanks can be severe, including:

1. Structural damage: Accelerated corrosion can compromise the integrity of diesel tanks, leading to leaks and spills (4).
2. Contamination: Microbial growth can contaminate diesel fuel, affecting its quality and potentially causing operational issues in diesel engines (5).
3. Economic losses: The costs associated with MIC can be substantial, including repair and replacement costs, lost fuel, and environmental cleanup expenses (6).

Managing and Controlling Microbial Corrosion in Diesel Tanks

To manage and control MIC in diesel tanks, facility managers can implement various strategies:

1. Tank design and maintenance: Proper tank design, including sloped bottoms and appropriate drainage systems, can help prevent water accumulation and reduce MIC risk (7). Regular tank cleaning and inspection can also help identify and address corrosion issues early.
2. Biocide treatments: The use of chemical biocides can help control microbial populations within diesel tanks (8).
3. Fuel treatment and filtration: Using fuel additives and regular fuel filtration can help maintain fuel quality and minimize microbial growth (9).
4. Monitoring and inspection: Regularly monitoring and inspecting diesel tanks for signs of MIC can enable early detection and intervention (10).

Microbial corrosion poses significant challenges to diesel tank integrity, fuel quality, and overall operational efficiency. Implementing proper prevention and management strategies, such as appropriate tank design, regular cleaning and inspection, biocide treatments, fuel treatment, and monitoring, is crucial to mitigate the impact of MIC on diesel storage systems. By taking a proactive approach to microbial corrosion, facility managers can maintain the integrity of their diesel tanks, ensure fuel quality, and prevent costly repairs and environmental issues.

References:

1. Videla, H. A., & Herrera, L. K. (2005). Microbiologically influenced corrosion: looking to the future. International Microbiology, 8(3), 169-180.
2. Gaylarde, C. C., & Morton, L. H. G. (2003). Biodeterioration of mineral materials under the influence of micro-organisms: important factors and mechanisms of deterioration. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 51(4), 235-242.
3. Little, B., & Lee, J. S. (2014). Microbiologically influenced corrosion. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.
4. Roberge, P. R. (2008). Corrosion engineering: principles and practice. New York: McGraw Hill Professional.
5. Díaz-Bao, M., Cantú-Lozano, A., Sánchez-Vázquez, P., Melo-Espinosa, G., Ibarra-Hernández, R., & Zavala-Báez, A. (2011). Diesel Fuel Biodeterioration: Causes, Effects and Failures. International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Studies, 1(1), 65-70.
6. Magot, M. (2005). Indigenous microbial communities in oil fields. In B. Ollivier & M. Magot (Eds.), Petroleum microbiology (pp. 21-34). Washington, DC: ASM Press.
7. Sowards, J. W. (2012). Design considerations for controlling corrosion in aboveground storage tank bottom plates. In Proceedings of the NACE Western Area Conference. NACE International.
8. Rajasekar, A., Anandkumar, B., Maruthamuthu, S., Ting, Y. P., & Rahman, P. K. (2010). Biological degradation of diesel fuel and its impact on atmospheric emissions. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 29(1), 107-114.
9. Güven?, O., & Kurban, M. (2006). Treatment of fuel tanks to prevent microbial growth in aircraft. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 15(11), 1274-1279.
10. Deveci, E., Yasar, A., Uludag, Y., Beyhan, S., & Hepbasli, A. (2006). Prevention of microbial corrosion in aluminum alloy 2024 by coating with conducting polymers and copper complex inhibitor. Progress in Organic Coatings, 57(2), 173-178.