Sulfuric Acid Production Research Articles

Optimized biogenic sulfuric acid production and application in the treatment of waste incineration residues

The biological leaching of metals from different waste streams by bacteria is intensively investigated to address metal recycling and circular economy goals. However, usually external addition of sulfuric acid is required to maintain the low pH optimum of the bacteria to ensure efficient leaching. Extremely acidophilic Acidithiobacillus spp. producing sulfuric acid and ferric iron have been investigated for several decades in the bioleaching of metal-containing ores. Their application has now been extended to the extraction of metals from artificial ores and other secondary sources. In this study, an optimized process for producing biogenic sulfuric acid from elemental sulfur by two sulfur-oxidizing species, A. thiooxidans and A. caldus and their combinations, was investigated in batch and stirred tank experiments. Using a combined culture of both species, 1.05 M and 1.4 M biogenic sulfuric acid was produced at 30 °C and 6% elemental sulfur in batch and semi continuous modes, respectively. The acid produced was then used to control the pH in a heap bioleaching system in which iron- and sulfur-oxidizing A. ferrooxidans was applied to biologically leach metals from waste incineration residuals. Metals like Cu, Ni, Al, Mn, and Zn were successfully recovered by 99, 93, 84, 77 and 68%, respectively within three weeks of heap bioleaching. Overall, a potential value recovery of incorporated metals >70% could be achieved. This highlights the potential and novelty of applying extremely acidophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria for cheap and efficient production of biogenic sulfuric acid and its use in pH control.

Pyruvic acid, an efficient catalyst in SO<sub>3</sub> hydrolysis and effective clustering agent in sulfuric-acid-based new particle formation

Abstract. The role of pyruvic acid (PA), one of the most abundant α-keto carboxylic acids in the atmosphere, was investigated both in the SO3 hydrolysis reaction to form sulfuric acid (SA) and in SA-based aerosol particle formation using quantum chemical calculations and a cluster dynamics model. We found that the PA-catalyzed SO3 hydrolysis is a thermodynamically driven transformation process, proceeding with a negative Gibbs free-energy barrier, ca. −1 kcal mol−1 at 298 K, ∼ 6.50 kcal mol−1 lower than that in the water-catalyzed SO3 hydrolysis. Results indicated that the PA-catalyzed reaction can potentially compete with the water-catalyzed SO3 reaction in SA production, especially in dry and polluted areas, where it is found to be ∼ 2 orders of magnitude more efficient that the water-catalyzed reaction. Given the effective stabilization of the PA-catalyzed SO3 hydrolysis product as SA⚫PA cluster, we proceeded to examine the PA clustering efficiency in a sulfuric-acid–pyruvic-acid–ammonia (SA-PA-NH3) system. Our thermodynamic data used in the Atmospheric Cluster Dynamics Code indicated that under relevant tropospheric temperatures and concentrations of SA (106 molec.cm-3), PA (1010 molec.cm-3) and NH3 (1011 and 5 × 1011 molec.cm-3), PA-enhanced particle formation involves clusters containing at most one PA molecule. Namely, under these monomer concentrations and 238 K, the (SA)2⚫PA⚫(NH3)2 cluster was found to contribute by ∼ 100 % to the net flux to aerosol particle formation. At higher temperatures (258 and 278 K), however, the net flux to the particle formation is dominated by pure SA-NH3 clusters, while PA would rather evaporate from the clusters at high temperatures and not contribute to the particle formation. The enhancing effect of PA was examined by evaluating the ratio of the ternary SA-PA-NH3 cluster formation rate to binary SA-NH3 cluster formation rate. Our results show that while the enhancement factor of PA to the particle formation rate is almost insensitive to investigated temperatures and concentrations, it can be as high as 4.7 × 102 at 238 K and [NH3] = 1.3 × 1011 molec.cm-3. This indicates that PA may actively participate in aerosol formation, only in cold regions of the troposphere and highly NH3-polluted environments. The inclusion of this mechanism in aerosol models may reduce uncertainties that prevail in modeling the aerosol impact on climate.

Встановлення природи виникнення сполук кальцію та заліза в сірчаному газі після печей спалювання комової сірки

ELUCIDATION OF THE NATURE OF THE OCCURRENCE OF CALCIUM AND IRON COMPOUNDS IN SULFUR DIOXIDE AFTER LUMP SULFUR COMBUSTION FURNACES © E.M. Semiryazhko (LLC Scientific and Production Enterprise Zarya, 93000, Rubizhne, Lugansk region, Zavodskaya st., 1g/36, Ukraine), D.M. Deineka, PhD in Technical Sciences, V.V. Kazakov, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Yu.I. Wetzner, PhD in Technical Sciences (National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute", 61002, Kharkov, Kirpichev str., 2, Ukraine), V.A. Panasenko, Doctor of Technical Sciences (SE "State Research and Design Institute of Basic Chemistry", 61002, Mironositskaya St., 25, Kharkov, Ukraine), A.A. Fandeeva (NTU "KhPI") It is known that in the operation of the first layer of the vanadium catalyst for the oxidation of SO2 to SO3 in the production of sulfuric acid, the main problem is the rapid increase in the hydraulic resistance of the catalyst due to the ingress of solid impurities in the form of dust from the gas. It has been established that the main component of these impurities are calcium and iron compounds. Therefore, the determination of the main sources of the occurrence of these compounds in sulfuric gas would make it possible to solve the problem of their elimination and improve the performance properties of the catalyst. The chemical composition of the feedstock in the production of sulfuric acid – granulated sulfur – was studied by X-ray fluorescence analysis for the presence of calcium and iron compounds. It was found that the content of calcium and iron in sulfur was 0,015 wt. %, which is not significant for this production. The method of X-ray diffraction analysis was used to study the marl-chamotte, chromium-magnesium bricks of the Slavyansk plant and cement used at LLC NPP “Zarya” as, respectively, the lining of the sulfur combustion furnace and for the installation of the lining. As a result of the research, the presence of calcium carbonate was established, and it can be a source of calcium compounds under the operating conditions of a sulfur combustion furnace. X-ray diffraction studies of spent vanadium catalysts were carried out and it was found that iron precipitates on the catalyst surface in the form of oxide Fe2O3 and forms iron-potassium alum in the form of KFe(SO4) and [K(Fe,Al)SO4]2 salts both on the surface and in depth of the granules. As a result of the research, it was shown that iron oxide Fe2O3 is a corrosion product of the metal part of the combustion furnace equipment and the waste heat boiler. Based on the studies carried out, recommendations are given in the work to reduce the effect of contamination of the layers of vanadium catalysts: storage and preparation of feedstock, process standards. Key words: sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide oxidation, vanadium catalyst, sulfuric gas, sulfur combustion, sulfur combustion furnace, vanadium catalyst fouling. Corresponding author: Deyneka Dmitry Nikolaevich, e-mail: deynekadn@gmail.com

Actual Issues of Industrial and Environmental Safety of Chemically Hazardous Sites for the Production of Sulfuric Acid

Actual Issues of Industrial and Environmental Safety of Chemically Hazardous Sites for the Production of Sulfuric Acid

Academician G. K. Boreskov: Catalysis as Destiny

The article is a biographical outline of the life and achivements of an outstanding chemist Georgy Konstantinovich Boreskov (1907–1984). G. K. Boreskov entered the history of domestic and world science as an outstanding scientist, engineer and teacher. The bright life of the scientist-chemist Boreskov was devoted to the study of catalysis and the closely related problems of chemical kinetics and chemical technology. In his work, fundamental research on catalysis as an interesting chemical phenomenon were harmoniously combined with the successful solution of the most important problems of the chemical industry. With the development of a new catalyst for one of the main industrial processes – the production of sulfuric acid – that G. K. Boreskov began his career in science. Thanks to the introduction of technologies based on his developments, a real breakthrough occurred in some areas of industrial production related to catalysis. In Novosibirsk, Academician Boreskov played the main role in the creation of the country’s first Institute of Catalysis of the Siberian Branch of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, which now bears his name. No less important is the merit of Academician Boreskov as the founder of the scientific school in the field of heterogeneous catalysis.

A novel plant-internal route of recycling sulfur from the flue gas desulfurization (FGD) ash through sintering process: From lab-scale principles to industrial practices

An efficient and sustainable solution to environmental issues is the utilization of solid waste that is generated from industrial and residential activities, and recycling the valuable components. This work proposes a novel route for plant-internal recycling that utilizes the ash produced by the dry flue gas desulfurization (FGD) process. The transient reaction behaviors of sulfur in the FGD ash that undergoes sintering process, which is equipped with the activated carbon adsorptive FGD process and sulfuric acid production, are evaluated from lab-scale principles to industrial practices. First, an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy-based (XPS) quantitative analysis method was established to distinguish calcium sulfite (CaSO3) from calcium sulfate (CaSO4), and the linear correlation determines that nearly 90 wt% of the sulfur in the FGD ash exists in CaSO3. Second, the subsequent oxidation of CaSO3 to CaSO4 was completed by 1000 °C under simulated sintering conditions, and before being emitted as sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas, the sulfur accumulates near edges of various-shaped protrusions as CaSO4 recrystallizes above 1200 ℃. Third, the mass balance calculations based on the sintering pot experiments revealed that approximately 90 wt% of total sulfur was released in the exhaust flue gas, and the SO2 concentration abruptly increases when the sintering process is close to end. Finally, industrial practices proved that the current recycling of FGD ash accounted for 91% of the overall processing capacity of the proposed route, and approximately 98 wt% of sulfur in the flue gas was recycled for sulfuric acid production.

Industrial Heap Bioleaching of Copper Sulfide Ore Started with Only Water Irrigation

Sulfuric acid solution containing ferric iron is the extractant for industrial heap bioleaching of copper sulfides. To start a heap bioleaching plant, sulfuric acid is usually added to the irrigation solution to maintain adequate acidity (pH 1.0–2.0) for copper dissolution. An industrial practice of heap bioleaching of secondary copper sulfide ore that began with only water irrigation without the addition of sulfuric acid was successfully implemented and introduced in this manuscript. The mineral composition and their behavior related to the production and consumption of sulfuric acid during the bioleaching in heaps was analyzed. This indicated the possibility of self-generating of sulfuric acid in heaps without exogenous addition. After proving by batches of laboratory tests, industrial measures were implemented to promote the sulfide mineral oxidation in heaps throughout the acidifying stages, from a pH of 7.0 to 1.0, thus sulfuric acid and iron was produced especially by pyrite oxidation. After acidifying of the heaps, adapted microbial consortium was inoculated and established in a leaching system. The launch of the bioleaching heap and finally the production expansion were realized without the addition of sulfuric acid, showing great efficiency under low operation costs.

Photochemistry of HOSO2 and SO3 and Implications for the Production of Sulfuric Acid.

Sulfur trioxide (SO3) and the hydroxysulfonyl radical (HOSO2) are two key intermediates in the production of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) on Earth's atmosphere, one of the major components of acid rain. Here, the photochemical properties of these species are determined by means of high-level quantum chemical methodologies, and the potential impact of their light-induced reactivity is assessed within the context of the conventional acid rain generation mechanism. Results reveal that the photodissociation of HOSO2 occurs primarily in the stratosphere through the ejection of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). This may decrease the production rate of H2SO4 in atmospheric regions with low O2 concentration. In contrast, the photostability of SO3 under stratospheric conditions suggests that its removal efficiency, still poorly understood, is key to assess the H2SO4 formation in the upper atmosphere.

Транспортирование серной кислоты вакуумной установкой

In the chemical industry, for example, in the production of sulfuric acid and the movement of sulfur recovered in refineries, the temperature of liquid substances can vary widely. The study of the effect of aggressive liquid temperature and concentration on the productivity and energy efficiency of vacuum systems for transporting liquids has been carried out. The performance (dry air pumping rate) and the consumed power of the vacuum pump ZhVN-12N depending on the pressure in the working chamber are considered. The correction coefficients of productivity for pumping out humid air have been determined for different temperatures. The performance indicators of a vacuum system for transporting liquids based on ZhVN-12N have been investigated. It was found that an increase in the temperature of the pumped humid air increases the average productivity of the vacuum system for transporting liquids, reducing its energy consumption. It is shown that an increase in the sulfuric acid solution concentration results in a decrease in productivity and an increase in the energy consumption of the vacuum system, while the efficiency decreases slightly.

AN INNOVATIVE METHOD FOR PROCESSING OF USED VANADIUM CATALYSTS FOR OBTAINING VANADIUM PENTOXIDE

All in all, there are about 60 million vanadium deposits in the world, 90% of which are localized in the territory of the five countries: Russia, South Africa, Venezuela, the United States and China. Sulfuric acid production is the main consumer of vanadium in the form of vanadium catalysts (V2 O5 pentoxide). The demand for vanadium and its compounds keeps growing every year, as a result of the increased interest in processing of secondary vanadium-containing raw materials. One of the main sources of vanadium are the spent vanadium catalysts – SVC. About 100 thousand tons of spent vanadium catalysts are formed throughout the country, which are considered to be potentially hazardous for the environment and local population. Disposal of spent vanadium catalysts used for oxidizing of sulfur dioxide represents a serious environmental threat due to the lack of effective technologies for their processing. This work is devoted to a method for processing of spent vanadium catalysts to obtain a stuff that will be suitable for modifying of steels. The pyrometallurgical method of processing of technogenic raw materials by oxidative fi ring has been investigated and the parameters of firing – optimal fi ring time and temperature for extracting vanadium from the material – have been identified.

About the clinic of acute poisoning with nitrogen oxides and their prevention

Nitrogases or nitrogen oxides are formed during a number of industrial processes (production of sulfuric acid, picric acid, aniline dyes, explosives, metal pickling, engraving, zinc printing, electrical discharges, etc.).

Review of researches on H2S splitting cycle for hydrogen production via low-temperature route

This paper presents an overview of the research and development of the H2S splitting cycle for hydrogen and sulfuric acid production via the low-temperature route of using iodine-toluene solution for Bunsen reaction and direct electrolysis of the mixed hydroiodic acid and sulfuric acid for hydrogen production. The use of I2-toluene solution makes low-temperature Bunsen reaction possible such that many drawbacks including side reactions, iodine vapor deposition, and corrosion have been eliminated or eased. The use of the Corning® Advanced-FlowTM Reactors to carry out multiphase Bunsen reaction allows not only the corrosion-free operation but also enhances mass transfer rate. The direct electrolysis of the product solution from the Bunsen reaction enables the production of hydrogen and separation of sulfuric acid from hydroiodic acid to occur in a single step. A customer-made continuous electrolysis cell was used for the direct electrolysis of Bunsen reaction products, which makes the scale up possible.

Features of the material composition and possible technologies of pyrite cinders processing

Relevance of research is determined by the need to study for subsequent rational processing of technogenic mineral raw materials – pyrite cinders formed during firing pyritic concentrates for the production of sulfuric acid. Topical issues here are the determination of their chemical and mineral composition, morphology of particles, which predetermine possible technologies of their processing. Purpose of research – study of the material composition of pyrite cinders of the dumps of the Kirovgrad coppersmelting plant, features identification of the composition of different-age dumps. Methods of research. In the selected samples of pyrite cinders, their chemical composition was determined, the morphology of particles was studied by photographing them using the Philips XL-30 electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and possible processing technologies were analyzed. Results. It was found that pyrite cinder of the old dump (no. 1) is characterized by low SO3 contents and low values of losses when firing relative to dump no. 2, which is determined by the oxidation of residual pyrite, as well as CaO and higher Fe2 O3 contents. The study of the morphology of pyrite cinders microparticles showed that they have an irregular shape, globule shape and spherical size from 40 μm to 2 mm. Some known technologies of purple ore processing are considered. Conclusion. The morphology of pyrite cinders particles and their chemical composition were determined as a result of the research. Taking into account the research results and morphostructural characteristics of cinders material, in particular, it is obvious that a number of technologies can be chosen for their complex processing; at the same time this determines further directions of their research, for example, the study of valuable impurity elements in them and their behavior in the process of changing the material of the dumps.

A novel granular sludge-based and highly corrosion-resistant bio-concrete in sewers

Bio-concrete is known for its self-healing capacity although the corrosion resistance was not investigated previously. This study presents an innovative bio-concrete by mixing anaerobic granular sludge into concrete to mitigate sewer corrosion. The control concrete and bio-concrete (with granular sludge at 1% and 2% of the cement weight) were partially submerged in a corrosion chamber for 6 months, simulating the tidal-region corrosion in sewers. The corrosion rates of 1% and 2% bio-concrete were about 17.2% and 42.8% less than that of the control concrete, together with 14.6% and 35.0% less sulfide uptake rates, 15.3% and 55.6% less sulfate concentrations, and higher surface pH (up to 1.8 units). Gypsum and ettringite were major corrosion products but in smaller sizes on bio-concrete than that of control concrete. The total relative abundance of corrosion-causing microorganisms, i.e. sulfide-oxidizing bacteria, was significantly reduced on bio-concrete, while more sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was detected. The corrosion-resistance of bio-concrete was mainly attributed to activities of SRB derived from the granular sludge, which supported the sulfur cycle between the aerobic and anaerobic corrosion sub-layers. This significantly reduced the net production of biogenic sulfuric acid and thus corrosion. The results suggested that the novel granular sludge-based bio-concrete provides a highly potential solution to reduce sewer corrosion.

Landslides as geological hotspots of CO<sub>2</sub> emission: clues from the instrumented Séchilienne landslide, western European Alps

Abstract. This study makes use of a highly instrumented active landslide observatory (9 years of data) in the French Alps, the Séchilienne slope. Here, we use a combination of major element chemistry and isotopes ratios (87Sr / 86Sr, δ34S) measured in different water types of the stable and unstable part of the Séchilienne instability to assess the contribution of the different lithologies of the slope and the chemical weathering mechanisms. Chemical and isotopic ratios are used to characterize weathering processes and the origin of waters and their flow paths through the massif. A mixing model allows us to allocate the different major elements to different sources, to identify secondary carbonate formation as a major process affecting solutes in the subsurface waters of the instability, and to quantify the involvement of sulfuric and carbonic acids as a source of protons. We show that the instability creates favorable and sustained conditions for the production of sulfuric acid by pyrite oxidation, by opening new fractures and supplying fresh reactive surfaces. We clearly identify the contribution of the dissolution of each mineral phase to the chemistry of the waters, with a clear role of remote gypsum dissolution to the sulfate budget in the sampled waters. We are also able to refine the preexisting hydrogeological views on the local water circulation and water flow paths in the instability by showing the hydrological connectivity of the different zones. Overall, our results show that the Séchilienne landslide, despite its role in accelerating rock chemical and physical weathering, acts as a geological source of CO2 to the atmosphere. If generalizable to other large instabilities in mountain ranges, this study illustrates the complex coupling between physical and chemical erosion and their impact on the carbon cycle and global climate. The study also highlights the importance of distinguishing between sulfite oxidation and gypsum dissolution as a source of sulfate ions to rivers, particularly in mountain ranges.

Evaluation of pyrite cinders from sulfuric acid production as oxygen carrier for chemical looping combustion

According to the principle of chemical looping technology, the development of oxygen carriers with high redox performance and low-cost is a prerequisite for the commercial application of chemical looping. In this study, two pyrite cinder samples (Pc-1 with rich Fe2O3 and Pc-2 with rich inert constituents and CaSO4) were investigated as oxygen carriers. The reactivity and cycling stability of the selected samples were studied in a fixed-bed reactor under different reaction temperatures (800 °C, 850 °C and 900 °C). Under 900 °C, the oxygen carrying capacity of Pc-2 sample maintained at around 2.73% after several redox cycles. At the same conditions, the oxygen carrying capacity of Pc-1 sample was about 2.45% in the subsequent multiple cycles. It was observed that Pc-1 sample suffered serious deactivation and surface sintering in the multiple cycle experiment. The Pc-2 sample presented excellent redox performance and anti-sintering ability. When the redox activity of Pc-2 sample reached stable status, the change of reaction temperature showed slight influence on the oxygen carrying capacity of this sample, which indicated that the lattice oxygen in Pc-2 sample revealed high reaction activity. This study provided guidance for screening desired pyrite cinder in the practical applications of chemical looping.

Recovery of sulfur from sulfur-rich filter cakes in a rotary kiln: Process optimization

In this work, sulfur recovery from sulfur-rich wastes deriving from sulfur filtration was investigated through laboratory experiments and full-scale tests in an industrial combustion rotary kiln, where elemental sulfur is converted to SO2 in a sulfuric acid production plant. Phase equilibria experiments carried out in the temperature range 1100–1400 °C and industrial scale tests demonstrated that temperature is the most important operating parameter in determining the recovery efficiency and the plant operability. The full-scale tests performed on the rotary kiln showed that, at operating temperatures around 1200 °C, a continuous sulfur recovery from the filter cakes was obtained with an average efficiency of 87% and a consequent reduction of about 70% of the solid waste material to be disposed as inert in landfills or used in cement/glass industries. The efficiency of sulfur recovery increases with the increasing operating temperature but, above 1300 °C, the melting of the residual Ca-Fe-Al-silicate phase and the eventual recrystallization at the kiln refractory walls occurred, causing a forced plant shutdown.The chemical-physical interaction between the sulfur-rich filter cake and different refractory materials was further investigated in the temperature range 1100–1300 °C. At the recommended operation temperatures of 1100–1200 °C, the interaction between the refractory material and the combustion ashes is negligible for all tested materials. Nonetheless, the use of Fe- and Cr-free refractory materials for the internal lining of the kiln must be preferred to minimize the deposition/adhesion of Ca-Fe-Al-silicates derived from combustion over long-term operation.

Formation of nighttime sulfuric acid from the ozonolysis of alkenes in Beijing

Abstract. Gaseous sulfuric acid (SA) has received a lot of attention for its crucial role in atmospheric new particle formation (NPF). And for this reason, studies until now have mainly focused on daytime SA when most NPF events occur. While daytime SA production is driven by SO2 oxidation of OH radicals of photochemical origin, the formation of SA during nighttime and its potential influence on particle formation remains poorly understood. Here we present evidence for significant nighttime SA production in urban Beijing during winter, yielding concentrations between 1.0 and 3.0 × 106 cm−3. We found a high frequency (∼ 30 %) of nighttime SA events, which are defined by the appearance of a distinct SA peak observed between 20:00 and 04:00 local time, with the maximum concentration exceeding 1.0 × 106 cm−3. These events mostly occurred during unpolluted nights with a low vapor condensation sink. Furthermore, we found that under very clean conditions (visibility > 16.0 km) with abundant ozone (concentration > 2.0 × 1011 cm−3, ∼ 7 ppb), the overall sink of SA was strongly correlated with the products of O3, alkenes and SO2 concentrations, suggesting that the ozonolysis of alkenes played a major role in nighttime SA formation under such conditions. This is in light of previous studies showing that the ozonolysis of alkenes can form OH radicals and stabilized Criegee intermediates (SCIs), both of which are able to oxidize SO2 and thus lead to SA formation. However, we also need to point out that there exist additional sources of SA under more polluted conditions, which are not investigated in this study. Moreover, there was a strong correlation between SA concentration and the number concentration of sub-3 nm particles on both clean and polluted nights. Different from forest environments, where oxidized biogenic vapors are the main driver of nighttime clustering, our study demonstrates that the formation of nighttime cluster mode particles in urban environments is mainly driven by nighttime SA production.

Research of the Technology of Joint Processing of Stale Copper-Smelting Slags and Pyrite Cinders with the Extraction of Non-Ferrous Metals into a Commercial Product

The article deals with the problems of slags processing from copper-smelting production, both current production and those which had been accumulating over many years of enterprises’ activity in heaps (stale). There are data about possible methods of slag processing. It is proposed a technology for the joint processing of stale copper-smelting slags of the Urals and pyrite cinders (waste from the production of sulfuric acid) - smelting with obtain a poor matte, into which copper and precious metals will be transferred. The results of scientific research on matte melting are presented. It is shown that when the ratio in the furnace charge "stale slag: pyrite cinder" at the level of 2.5, the extraction of non-ferrous metals into the matte is at the level of 90%.

An Innovative Approach to Simulate Biocorrosion in Concrete Pipes

Abstract Concrete corrosion in wastewater concrete pipes is mainly caused by the diffusion of aggressive solutions and in situ production of sulfuric acid by sulfur oxidizing microorganisms, which affect the physicochemical properties of concrete. In this study, a novel pilot-scale experimental setup was designed to replicate conditions in sewage systems as well as the bacterial-induced corrosion process in concrete pipes. The reliability of this test was evaluated by conducting a flexural strength test on arch-shaped cement mortar specimens over a 6-month period. Quantitative assessments of the properties were carried out over the 6-month period, and the average corrosion rate of 3 mm/y with 73 % reduction in bending strength (of the initial strength) and an average weight loss of 15 % was observed in cement-based mortar specimens. The proposed methodology and the results provide a better understanding of the biocorrosion process and quantitative information on the performance and effectiveness of different pipe/coating materials, which is necessary in evaluating concrete pipe’s durability.