Biological fouling (biofouling) can be broadly defined as damage to engineered materials and processing systems that is mediated by living organisms. Oil production and distribution systems are particularly vulnerable to biofouling; in particular, microbially-influenced corrosion (MIC) activities can lead to pipeline corrosion and associated product losses. While the fundamental mechanisms associated with MIC are the same as those associated with abiotic corrosion, understanding the ecology and activity of microorganisms in industrial systems is key to prevention.
Exponent professionals have the breadth of experience and access to necessary resources for assessing the risk of biofouling, and developing targeted remedial strategies. We take a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving, incorporating the expertise of microbiologists, materials scientists, and a variety of professionals from disparate engineering disciplines.
Our services include:
Problem characterization: biological vs. abiological contamination
- Health risk communication
- Human health risk assessment
- Remedial strategy development
- Materials testing and fitness-for-service evaluations
- Economic analysis of remedial options
- Materials selection and installation guidance
- Analyses of environment impact and ecotoxicology, and development of remedial strategy
- Epidemiological investigations and health risk assessments
- Regulatory filings and reporting compliance
Our professional team includes:
- Building Technology Specialists
- Chemists
- Civil/Structural Engineers
- Corrosion Engineers
- Environmental Engineers
- Epidemiologists
- Industrial Hygienists
- Materials Engineers
- Microbiologists
- Physicians
- Toxicologists
Our staff has experience directing biological fouling and biocorrosion investigations for a wide variety of industries, including the following:
Microbiological contamination of water systems and other fluid-handling systems in the pharmaceutical industry
- Biodeterioration of concrete tunnel structures
- Biocorrosion and biofouling of International Space Station fluid-handling systems
- HVAC system biofouling
- Legionnaire’s disease associated with HVAC and potable water systems
- Biological fouling of ship hulls and marine structures
- Macrofouling of water intake systems (zebra mussels)
- Evaluation of novel antifouling compounds for piping systems
- Evaluation of novel antifouling compounds for ship hulls and recreational vessels
Biocorrosion of fire protection systems
- Biocorrosion of water distribution systems
- Deterioration of building fascia and roofing systems.