ABFII Coating

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is more complicated than other types of corrosion because of its rapid growth rate and reoccurrence if left untreated. In the past it was thought that MIC was remedied by replacing the infected pipe… but this is not the case.

MIC is a corrosion process influenced by microorganisms and is a major cause of tuberculation, pitting and pipe failure in fire sprinkler systems, including carbon steel, copper and galvanized pipe systems.

Fire sprinkler systems provide a favorable environment for the growth and development of bacteria resulting in MIC failures, as recognized by members of the AFSA, NFPA, NFSA, NACE, sprinkler manufacturers, end users and fire protection service/mechanical contractors working within the industry.

MIC-related bacteria include aerobes (i.e., thrive in oxygen) and anaerobes (inhibited or die when exposed to oxygen). Aerobic microorganisms and their secretions on wetted pipe surfaces lead to the formation of bio-films, which frequently become embedded with iron, scale, oil, dirt, and other debris. This bio-film adheres to metal surfaces and forms a mass around bacterial deposits creating differential oxygen cell corrosion and other types of corrosion.

In scientific laboratory tests, our second generation coating, ABF II, proved to have superior resistance to Microbial colonization of pipe walls, thereby delaying and preventing the onset of MIC upon installation and the first 25 flushes of the fire sprinkler system. ABF II is applied to the interior surface during manufacturing of all Allied Tube & Conduit sprinkler pipe products up to 4.5 inches in diameter (excluding hot-dip galvanized).