Effects of Flow Conditions and Mass Transfer on SRB Corrosion of Water Injection System Piping in Dorod 3 Plant of Iranian Offshore Oil Company

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is a growing problem in the oil and gas industry resulting in huge financial losses. Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) are often the culprits although many other microorganisms can also be directly or indirectly involved. From the bioprocess engineering angle, mass transfer and flow conditions are very important in SRB biofilm formation and MIC corrosion rates. Experiments were carried out during six month in several sample connection point on water injection system piping whit carbon steel material. Experimental data indicated that increase in turbulent flow velocity decrease cell growth and MIC corrosion because the effect on sheer force of fluid is more than of mass transfer. However, a high turbulent velocity exhibited inhibition of cell growth and MIC corrosion. The results have implications in predicting and controlling MIC in pipeline flow systems.

Keywords:

Sulfate reducing bacteria , microbiologically influenced corrosion , mass transfer ,