Advances in the application of molecular microbiological methods in the oil and gas industry and links to microbiologically influenced corrosion

Abstract

While the oil and gas industry has witnessed increased applications of molecular microbiological methods (MMMs) for diagnosing and managing microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in the past decade, the process for establishing clear links between microbiological conditions and corrosion mechanisms is still emerging. Different MMMs provide various types of information about microbial diversity, abundance, activity and function, all of which are quite different from the culture-based results that are familiar to oil and gas industry corrosion professionals. In addition, a multidisciplinary process for establishing the significance of molecular microbiological data in regard to corrosion threat identification, mitigation and monitoring has yet to be clearly established. As a result, the benefits of employing MMMs for MIC management are not yet being fully realized or appreciated. Regardless of advances in technology, the microbiological insights being afforded by MMMs will not be embraced by many oil and gas asset operators until their significance relative to corrosion management and asset integrity are made more transparent. The need for an initiative to link corrosion, microbiological technologies and disciplinary experts together to reach a common understanding is discussed here.