Corrosion is generally thought of as a chemical process – so what have bacteria got to do with it? NCIMB’s Energy and Environmental Microbiology Services Manger, Michelle Robertson, gives an introduction to Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion and some methods used for monitoring the organisms involved. Microorganisms are ubiquitous, occurring in all kinds of environments and they can quickly colonise the surfaces of man made structures, forming biofilms. Biofilms can be highly complex communities of different species with the early colonizers creating the conditions that allow others to follow, but the composition …
What is the best way to monitor oilfield microbes?
NCIMB has worked with biofilms from various locations and in a number of different ways over the years, but the main area that we have focused on is the monitoring of microbial populations in biofilms that influence microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in offshore oil and gas production facilities. It is important that oil and gas operators monitor the location, prevalence and diversity of these populations in order to generate data to aid the mitigation of the effects of pitting corrosion. Such localised corrosion is difficult to predict and detect – and can lead to sudden failures that may cause major disruption to operations – as well as detrimental effects to the marine environment.
NCIMB sponsors the Institute of Corrosion Aberdeen branch
We are delighted to announce that NCIMB is sponsoring the Aberdeen Branch of the Institute of Corrosion this year. Microorganisms can influence corrosion in a range of environments and NCIMB has extensive experience of working with the oil and gas industry to monitor the populations of microbes that can have an impact- allowing appropriate steps to be taken if the risk of microbially influenced corrosion is high. More information about our oilfield microbiology services is available here . With our years of experience in this field, getting more involved with …