Pitting Biocorrosion in Internal Pipeline Welds

Abstract

Corrosion of petroleum pipelines is the cause of severe operational failures and damages to the environment, and most of them may have been intensified by microbial activities. This chapter discusses the biocorrosion phenomenon of welded joints subject to both laminar and turbulent flow regimes, comparatively, using seawater with indigenous microorganisms. It is highlighted that planktonic and sessile microbial communities as well as pit penetration were rather influenced by the flow regime adopted. Additionally, pit depth was more severe in heat-affected weld zones due to the local microstructural changes.