Biogenic H2SO4 corrosion of concrete in oxygen activated sludge bioreactors

Abstract

Significant concrete corrosion has occurred within the headspace of a pure oxygen activated sludge treatment (OAS) bioreactor treating pulp and paper mill effluent. Bioreactor input effluent solutions were characterized and compared to identify the process conditions most likely responsible for the biogenic H2SO4 corrosion and the damage mechanism. The results suggest that dissolved hydrogen sulfide (H2S), total reduced sulfur (TRS), or both, when stripped from the effluent during biotreatment, are the critical factors required to sustain corrosion. Anaerobic activity within the primary clarifier has been identified as the likely root source of dissolved TRS in primary clarified TMP/newsprint effluent. Changing, or improving control of, TMP/newsprint primary clarifier operating conditions to minimize septicity may be the best way to tackle the problem.