MIC Microbial Contamination Analysis measures the 5 bacteria types most commonly associated with microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and provides an approximate population for each bacteria type. The test requires an ECS MIC Microbial Contamination Test kit to collect a water sample from the FPS’ appropriate location (e.g. main drain, inspector test valve, auxiliary test connection or source/make-up water). The water sample is sent directly to the laboratory (shipping containers and instructions are included in the kit). Contamination results are typically available in 14 days after receipt of the sample by the laboratory. Tests results are accompanied by an fpsCMI Interpretation and Analysis Report which explains the results and provides general recommendations about monitoring and or inhibiting future FPS internal corrosion activity.

MIC Microbial Contamination Analysis/Deposit Analysis (NFPA 25) identifies any build-up of corrosion products such as tubercles, mounds, particulates, solids, etc. found inside an FPS. The test is designed to determine the most likely chemical composition of the deposit. The deposits are also tested for the bacteria types most commonly associated with MIC. The test requires that a contactor drain the affected portions of the FPS and collect a water and deposit sample using ECS MIC Microbial Contamination Analysis/Deposit Analysis kit. The samples are sent directly to the laboratory (shipping containers and instructions are included in the kit). The laboratory determines if there is enough material to conduct a deposit analysis and if sufficient deposit material is not available, a complete elemental analysis of the water is performed. Deposit analysis or water test results are typically available in 14 days after receipt of the sample by the laboratory. Tests results are accompanied by an fpsCMI Interpretation and Analysis Report which explains the results and provides general recommendations about monitoring and or inhibiting future FPS internal corrosion activity.

MIC Microbial Contamination Analysis/Complete Water Analysis (NFPA 13) is a combined water chemistry and microbial contamination test which reports on potential corrosion indicators present in a FPS’ water sample. The test measures an FPS water sample’s various chemical parameters (e.g. Iron, pH, sediment, etc.) and also reports on the presence of the five different bacteria types most commonly associated with microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The test requires an ECS MIC Microbial Contamination Analysis/Complete Water Analysis kit to collect a water sample from the FPS’ appropriate location (e.g. main drain, inspector test valve, auxiliary test connection or source/make-up water). The water sample is sent directly to the laboratory (shipping containers and instructions are included in the kit). Water test results are typically available in 14 days after receipt of the sample by the laboratory. Tests results are accompanied by an fpsCMI Interpretation and Analysis Report which explains the results and provides general recommendations about monitoring and or inhibiting future FPS internal corrosion activity.

MIC Microbial Contamination Corrosion Coupon Weight Loss Analysis determines the rate of corrosion within the FPS using pre-weighed metal coupons that have been exposed to the FPS internal pipe environment for a measured period of time. The coupons metallurgy is closely matched to the metal in the FPS. By measuring the weight of the coupons after extraction from the FPS and comparing it to the initial weight of the coupons when they were introduced to the system, the average corrosion rate in mils per year (thousandths of an inch) can be determined. The final report presents digital photos of the extracted weight loss coupons (before and after cleaning) and evaluation of any localized corrosion pitting that may have occurred during the test interval. The water from the system is also evaluated for the level of microbial contamination within the FPS. The tests results are accompanied by an fpsCMI Interpretation and Analysis Report which explains the results and provides general recommendations about monitoring and or inhibiting future FPS internal corrosion activity.

Failure/Metallographic Pipe Analysis evaluates a FPS pipe sample’s internal conditions to determine the extent and severity of corrosion at that point in the FPS. The test requires a contactor to locate a corrosion damaged section of FPS piping; drain the affected portions of the system and remove the appropriate pipe section. The pipe sample is sent directly to the laboratory for analysis. The laboratory uses magnification tools (i.e. Scanning Electron Microscopy) to identify corrosion indicators such as granular structure of the metal, pitting, tubercle formation, or damage caused by microbial contamination. Inspection of a pipe sample can also reveal information regarding the type of corrosion present in the system as well as report on the remaining pipe wall thickness. The Failure/Metallographic Pipe Analysis results are accompanied by an fpsCMI Interpretation and Analysis Report which explains the laboratory’s conclusions and provides general recommendations about monitoring and or inhibiting future FPS internal corrosion activity. Photographic evidence before and after cleaning of the pipe sample is also provided.

FPS Failed Pipe Corrosion Analysis involves the cleaning and visual inspection of the failed FPS piping component. In addition, if sufficient deposit is available, the corrosion by-product from the failed pipe sample is analyzed for the most likely chemical composition. The fpsCMI Interpretation and Analysis Report presents a description of the characteristics of the metal loss and the most likely cause for the failure.

FPS Pipe Video Inspection is used to visually document failures, blockages, and obstructions, such as pits, deposits, and tubercles that may compromise a FPS’ integrity. Video inspection requires a contractor to temporarily remove an FPS from service in order to remove the system’s end caps or disconnect pipe fittings. After a sufficient opening to the system is established (such as removing an end cap from a cross main) an fpsCMI technician inserts a water-proof, high resolution pipe camera into the piping and produces a display of the pipe’s interior. The camera streams real-time video to a monitor and can create color photographs or record the display to a DVD video disc. The FPS video inspection results are accompanied by an fpsCMI Interpretation and Analysis Report which explains the findings and provides general recommendations.