Emphasis on biofilms can improve mitigation of microbiologically influenced corrosion in oil and gas industry

Abstract

From the time of construction to the point of decommissioning, oil and gas pipelines can be susceptible to internal microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) based on changing environmental conditions that occur over the life of the asset. Current MIC management efforts often focus on enumeration of planktonic rather than sessile microorganisms in biofilms, essentially overlooking the surface conditions that directly influence localised corrosion and MIC. Monitoring and mitigation measures that focus on the combined effects of biofilms, surface microbiological activity and corrosion provide better information for effectively managing MIC. Consideration of the relationship between biofilms and metal surfaces in the design stage of oil and gas assets can improve the ability to manage MIC in all stages of asset life. In order to move from planktonic to sessile based monitoring, pipeline operators will need improvements in the technology for sampling internal surfaces of operating pipeline systems.

Keywords:

• MIC
• Biofilm
• Corrosion
• Biocide
• Sessile
• Bacteria
• Monitoring