New Test Kit for Rapid Detection of SRB in the Oil Field

Abstract

ABSTRACT A new test method for detecting and enumerating sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) often associated with the petroleum environment has been developed and field tested. The new test method rapidly and accurately defects SRB at concentrations as low as 1,000 cells/cm3. Results are available in fifteen minutes compared to the three to four weeks required by the standard API RP 38 culture method. In addition, the new test method detects SRB species that do not grow on culture media used in the oil field. The method is not limited by unique growth or environmental conditions which may be required by the particular SRB species being assayed. The new test method uses an immunoassay which is specific for an enzyme system found only in SRB. The new method is not affected by oil, sulfides, iron, common oil field chemicals including biocides, or any other constituent of oil field water. The test method is a joint development of Conoco and Du Pont; a field test kit version is marketed by Conoco Specialty Products Inc. This paper substantiates the above performance claims through field comparison testing between the new test method and the industry standard API RP 38 method.