Understanding of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) in Gas System and Development of Detection Methods
BioVind, LLC
Recipient
Cerritos, CA
Recipient Location
30th
Senate District
64th
Assembly District
$1,070,071
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
BioVind is working with SoCalGas to characterize current microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) testing methods and challenges, and to improve sample collection and preparation methods to detect microbial species more rapidly. With feedback from SoCalGas, BioVind identified a list of medium- and high-priority microbial targets and has begun collecting microbial samples from selected demonstration sites including pipelines, pressure vessels, and storage wells. In June 2025, the project team conducted pilot field tests with a complete microbial detection device prototype at two SoCalGas natural gas storage locations (Aliso Canyon and Playa Del Rey) to evaluate the performance of the test kit under real-world field conditions and to begin validating its sensitivity, specificity, speed, and usability compared to traditional laboratory-based methods. BioVind is currently developing additional assays to detect other high-priority targeted biocrobial species and planning to conduct at least three additional field tests at SoCalGas natural gas sites.
The Issue
MIC is an area of increasing concern in the integrity and safety of gas processing, storage, and transmission. As a result of their ability to survive and thrive in a variety of environments, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and archaea accelerate corrosion of metal and alloys through their presence and activities. Consequently, MIC has been linked to the rapid emergence of leaks that impact the gas system. Microbial testing is an essential component of the detection, control, and mitigation of MIC in gas systems. However, current testing approaches are hampered by long wait times, the inability of rapid tests to identify specific corrosion-related microorganisms, and complex sample preparation and testing processes that require laboratory equipment or specialized training.
Project Innovation
BioVind is developing a test kit and field testing guide that will address the current limitations of the detection and control of corrosion-related microbes. The test kit will be simple, rapid, and portable,enabling gas system technicians to easily identify the specific groups of corrosion-related microbes present in pipelines and storage tanks on site within an hour. BioVind’s toolkit will significantly lower the risk of MIC-related leakages; reduce the excessive and expensive use of harmful broad-spectrum biocides; and significantly shorten the time and cost associated with MIC detection, mitigation, and control.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
Environmental and potential cost savings benefits to California ratepayers, utilities, government entities, and other stakeholders.
Reliability
This project will result in the ratepayer benefits of improved infrastructure resiliency and reliability, lowered costs due to improved MIC control, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced environmental impact of MIC treatment.
Safety
By providing corrosion management teams with the ability to quickly detect the presence of specific corrosion-related microbes in the field, the proposed solution will facilitate increased precision in the timing of biocide re-application and more tailored treatments that take into account the specific microbial communities present in each facility.
Affordability
The new test kit will reduce hands-on time by 90%, allowing more samples to be collected with less labor. Results will be available in one hour versus 24 hours or multiple days with currently available methods, enabling faster responses that will reduce mitigation and repair costs.
Consumer Appeal
The MIC test kit offers a simple, field-deployable solution that delivers results in an hour, eliminating the need to send samples to specialized laboratories. By reducing complexity and turnaround time, the technology empowers utilities and industrial operators to act quickly with confidence, making it an attractive option for widespread adoption.
Economic Development
Deployment of this technology will support job creation in California’s biotech and clean-tech sectors through manufacturing, distribution, and field service roles. It also positions California as a leader in advanced infrastructure monitoring, potentially attracting investment and strengthening the state’s competitive advantage in the global energy and environmental technology markets.
Environmental Sustainability
Deployment of this technology will support job creation in California’s biotech and clean-tech sectors through manufacturing, distribution, and field service roles. It also positions California as a leader in advanced infrastructure monitoring, potentially attracting investment and strengthening the state’s competitive advantage in the global energy and environmental technology markets.
Energy Security
Providing information to help protect energy infrastructure from microbial-induced corrosion directly enhances California’s critical infrastructure security by reducing the risk of unplanned outages, leaks, or negative system impacts. Improved real-time monitoring also strengthens resilience against both natural and man-made disruptions, supporting energy reliability and safeguarding public assets.
Key Project Members
Marc Tiegel
Joe Iyoha-Nwani
Jurriaan van Haaren
Subrecipients
EnhanceCo, Inc.
MEDIX STAFFING SOLUTIONS, LLC
Match Partners
The Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)
BioVind, LLC
EnhanceCo, Inc.
