Our molecular microbiological methods (MMMs) provide more comprehensive characterization of microbial communities and more accurate quantification of key microorganisms like sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) than cultivation methods. Accurate quantification and comprehensive understanding of the microbial community give you the crucial information needed to evaluate souring and the effectiveness of control strategies.
ISSUE: Souring caused by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) during secondary oil recovery reduces oil and gas quality, promotes corrosion, and can be a health and safety issue.
IMPACT: Reduced value and increased CAPEX and OPEX due to increased general corrosion risk and sulfide stress cracking (SSC) in production tubulars, risers, topside vessels and pipelines, selection of corrosion resistant alloys or pipeline linings, and increased H2S scavenger use. Some estimates suggest oilfield reservoir souring control may consume as much as one-third of typical production budgets.
THREATS: Economic + Health + Safety + Environmental Consequences.
PATH TO RESOLUTION: Strategies to combat reservoir souring can include biocides for overall microbial suppression or biocompetitive exclusion by nitrate or perchlorate addition. Our superior MMM and data interpretation provide you with the information you need to evaluate the effectiveness of souring and MIC control strategies. Our analysis is 100% unbiased. Microbial Insights does not sell biocides or other treatments. We provide the MMMs and reporting that help you make the most informed decisions, based on the best possible data and analysis.
