Understanding MIC Corrosion: Risks and Prevention
MIC Corrosion – Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a serious issue many undervalue. It impacts every type of steel, even stainless, no matter the grade or design. Similar to termites eating through wood, MIC gradually destroys steel from within, leaving it hollow and dangerously weak.
This type of corrosion can compromise the structural integrity of tanks within just a few years of installation. It may cause leaks, pollution, or even catastrophic failure. The damage caused by MIC is not only costly to repair. It also poses significant risks to safety, building infrastructure, and surrounding assets.
Recognising MIC early through professional inspection and maintenance is critical to preventing severe structural issues. It also ensures the long-term performance of your tanks.
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The Growing Risk of MIC
MIC poses a particular threat to internally braced square tanks. These systems have already suffered millions of dollars in damages in recent years. Imported tanks from China and Korea are driving the risk even higher. Many buildings across NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, and WA may face catastrophic tank failures in the near future.
Such failures can flood penthouses, elevator shafts, lobbies, and electrical systems, causing widespread and costly damage. Beyond the financial loss, these incidents can disrupt essential services and create safety hazards for occupants. They also often lead to lengthy repair projects. Without proactive inspections and preventative measures, the long-term consequences of MIC will only continue to escalate.
Protecting Tanks from Corrosion
We deliver structural upgrades for vulnerable tanks. Our upgrades come with the approval of a leading Australian PhD in Corrosion (NATA Accredited). This guarantees full compliance with safety standards. We design these engineered solutions to maximise asset life in MIC-prone conditions.
Preventing tank failure is straightforward — simply arrange a professional MIC inspection before corrosion takes hold. By addressing risks early, facility managers can avoid unexpected downtime, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Regular inspections not only protect valuable infrastructure. They also provide peace of mind that tanks will continue performing reliably for years to come.
Why Regular Inspections Are Essential
Square tanks are often neglected for years, hidden on rooftops, in basements, or in plant rooms. Combined with stagnant water, this creates ideal conditions for MIC to spread unnoticed.
When structural tie rods corrode and fail, tank walls may collapse under water pressure. The result is flooding across building levels, damaging electrical systems, interiors, and finishes — a costly disaster that was preventable.
To protect your assets, schedule routine inspections and servicing with Raven Tanks specialists. Our team can identify MIC, then safely isolate and drain affected systems. We also replace structural rods where necessary, ensuring long-term safety and performance.
Client Questions – Our Answers
We know our clients often have important questions before starting a project. Here are clear answers to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
MIC impacts a wide range of metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and other alloys. Even high-grade stainless steel is vulnerable, as microbes attack from the inside and weaken the structure over time.
Unlike ordinary corrosion, MIC forms through the action of bacteria. They form biofilms that accelerate the breakdown of steel. This process can rapidly compromise tanks and pipelines, often within a few years of installation.
MIC can lead to leaks, pollution, and even catastrophic structural failures. In high-rise buildings or industrial sites, this often results in flooding and costly repairs. It also creates risks to safety and infrastructure.
The best protection against MIC is through regular inspections, specialised coatings, and structural upgrades. Partnering with experts like Raven Tanks ensures early detection, proper treatment, and long-term asset protection.
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Prevent costly failures caused by microbiologically influenced corrosion. Get in touch with Raven Tanks now for expert inspection and long-term protection.
