Approximately 40% of all drainage structures in the US are made of concrete. Erosion of America’s wastewater systems by the effect of “Concrete Corrosion” is causing premature replacement of failed structures under highways causing expensive and disruptive repairs.
Over time the effects of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) present in the system’s environment lower the Ph of the concrete surface supporting Thiobacillus bacterial growth (pH-9 to 9.5). This colonization can occur sometimes in a matter of months in aggressive environments causing accelerated destruction. The production of Sulfuric Acid from Hydrogen Sulfide is an aerobic-biological process that occurs in the presence of Oxygen. A white or yellow discolored surface indicates the start of the corrosion process present at the water line.
STEP 1: Anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen, form in raw sewage and produce hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). Factors contributing to rapid bacterial growth are temperature, retention time, high BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) levels, and turbulence.
STEP 2: Turbulence from force mains, drop manholes, steep grade changes and pumping stations allow the hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) to release into the atmosphere in pipes and manholes
Step 1
Step 2
STEP 3: Sulfide gas (H2S) is converted into sulfuric acid (H2SO4) by the aerobic Thiobacillus bacteria that grows on the concrete surfaces above the wastewater flow. Only Thiobacillus can convert the H2S to sulfuric acid.
STEP 4: Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) produced by the aerobic (Thiobacillus bacteria quickly corrode the concrete, resulting in severe structural damage to the pipe and manholes.
Step 3
THE SOLUTION
ConmicShield® is a revolutionary technology for the effective and economical prevention of MIC commonly developed in concrete sewer pipe and manholes. ConmicShield® prevents the acid-producing bacteria (Thiobacillus) from colonizing into concentrations that produce sulfuric acid. is a liquid admixture that is easily dosed at the plant for new precast structures or in the field for mortar linings used for rehabilitation. ConmicShield® the exact concentration is customized to perform safely and effectively for each specific mix design.
Unlike coatings or plastic liners, ConmicShield® molecularly bonds to the cement, sand and coarse aggregate of the concrete. It cannot wash off, chip off, peel off, delaminate or pinhole!
ConmicShield Technologies, Inc. 541 10th Street #233 Atlanta, GA 30318 Toll Free: 877-543-2094 Fax: 404-420-2160 E-mail: info@conshield.com
