Abstract
Abstract Biocorrosion is the main process that causes pipeline damages and losses in the oil industry. The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of biofilm forming microorganisms on the biocorrosion of X80 steel exposed in produced water through microbiological characterization, film and biofilm analysis by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, weight loss and surface analysis by laser confocal microscopy. Changes in produced water after 360 days were attributed to planktonic cells, temperature conditions, contact with air, photo-oxidation, biodegradation, and seasonality. The total aerobic bacteria presented sessile cell concentration of 7.39 x 104 CFU/cm2, while the other investigated groups showed lower concentrations. The micrography of the film showed salt crystals, whereas in the biofilm microorganisms, exopolysaccharides and corrosion products were observed. Weight loss after 360 days for the abiotic and biotic systems was 0.0222 g/cm2 and 0.3039 g/cm2, respectively, showing that microorganisms accentuated the corrosion of X80 steel.
Highlights
The produced water is the largest waste volume generated by the oil and gas industry during the production, recovery and transportation phases of crude oil[1]
A wide variety of biofilm forming microorganisms has been detected in produced water in oilfields and has been associated with the evolution of biocorrosion in X80 steel
The total aerobic bacteria were in a higher cellular concentration in the biofilm, influencing the process of microbial adhesion to the substrate and in the development of the biofilm
Summary
The produced water is the largest waste volume generated by the oil and gas industry during the production, recovery and transportation phases of crude oil[1]. The composition of the produced water varies from field to field, it consists essentially of dissolved organic and inorganic compounds, dispersed hydrocarbons, dissolved gases, chemicals, suspended solids and microorganisms[2]. This environment of complex chemical composition promotes the growth of different groups of microorganisms[3]. The deposition of existing macromolecules in the fluid and the subsequent transport of planktonic cells to the metal surface initiate biofilm formation[8] In this microenvironment, microorganisms release toxic substances, produce exopolysaccharides, corrosive acids (organic and inorganic) and volatile compounds
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
