Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion. A Two-Day Workshop

Overview

Materials degradation in oil and gas production is a significant economic and environmental concern. Particularly, the bacterial biofilm formation on metals can cause corrosion, leading to significant costs and serious environmental repercussions. An example is the 2006 Trans-Alaska pipeline failure that leaked 200,000 gallons of crude oil, with significant environmental damage, lost production of two million barrels and a worldwide impact on the oil price.

Western Australia's oil and gas industry is a chief component of Australia's economy, producing more than 70% of the country's natural gas, crude oil, and condensate. It is, therefore, crucial to respond to the scientific challenge of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) by developing and applying new knowledge to every aspect of our oil and gas exploration and production processes. Deterioration and corrosion due to microorganisms drive a worldwide market for microbial control that is worth billions of dollars annually.

This workshop comprises both theoretical and hands-on sessions covering the fundamentals of MIC and preventive measures. The list of topics and laboratory assignments are summarized below.

Day 1 – Theory

• Fundamentals: microorganisms and MIC mechanisms.
• Biofilms: formation mechanisms, detection, and remediation.
• Biocides and MIC mitigation.
• Genomics and bioinformatics.
• Electrochemistry for MIC research. 
• Conducting MIC Failure analyses and diagnostics.
• Case studies and group assignments.

Day 2 – Hands-on sessions

• Training on sampling and preservation.
• Conventional microbial characterization.
• Advanced molecular analysis.
• Coupon testing.
• Electrochemical methods.