Microbially influenced corrosion problems

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are some of the most common and problematic microorganisms of environmental and economic importance in petroleum industry. The effects caused by SRB activity are mainly the souring of oil and gas deposits and in problems related with microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). The toxic hydrogen sulfide produced may also present a health hazard to workers and may decrease oil quality by the souring of oil and gas [1],... 

SRB have been implicated in localised pitting corrosion, commonly referred to as microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). These and other anaerobes cause biocorrosion due to production of adds and other by-products (e.g.hydrogen sulphide), that cause cathodic depolarisation of metal surfaces. SRB also cause discoloration problems and production of foul odors. They are susceptible to bioddes, and can be controlled. Many other types of anaerobes may be present in the mill system, including the common helical-shaped, motile bacteria Spirillum. These corkscrew-shaped anaerobes are often seen under the microscope swimming in deposit samples and soured stock. 

Microbialty influenced corrosion (MIC) probes. Devices are available which it is claimed can be used to measure the amount of microbial activity in some environments. Most of these MIC monitoring devices are limited in their application. The major problem lies in proving that the corrosion being detected is due to MIC. This is an exciting area for development of corrosion probes and monitoring systems. 

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