Corrosion-causing bacteria account for billions of dollars of damage each year to pipelines, offshore production lines and gathering lines. Yet, despite its cost to the oil and gas industry, relatively little is known about how Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) occurs.
A collaborative research project co-led by scientists at the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta and Memorial University of Newfoundland is providing more insight into MIC, using the science of genomics to better predict how, where and why MIC occurs and how to mitigate it. The $7.8 million Managing Microbial Corrosion in Canadian Offshore and Onshore Oil Production is one of 13 research projects announced by the federal government in December 2016 under Genome Canada’s Large-Scale Applied Research Project Competition (LSARP). The project is co-managed by Genome Alberta and Genome Atlantic.
The application of genomics – a powerful combination of genetics, biology and computer science – is key to unlocking the mysteries of MIC. Using field samples from both offshore Newfoundland and onshore pipelines across Canada, researchers will identify the microbes that cause corrosion as well as the chemical source of the corrosion. They will employ a molecular modelling approach to determine how the different chemicals interact with metal to cause corrosion. Knowing precisely what organisms are present for MIC to occur across a range of conditions will help operators make cost-effective decisions about the best preventive measures and treatments.
Ultimately, a better understanding of MIC could improve infrastructure integrity, reduce the potential of oil spills, and improve worker safety – potentially reducing operating costs and saving Canada’s oil and gas industry $300-500 million over 10 to 20 years.“The use of genomics is revolutionizing biotechnology in many sectors including the oil and gas industry. Genomics-based discoveries play a critical role in our understanding of MIC and could lead to simpler, cheaper and more environmentally friendly solutions,” says Steve Armstrong, President and CEO of Genome Atlantic.
“The use of genomics is revolutionizing biotechnology in many sectors including the oil and gas industry. Genomics-based discoveries play a critical role in our understanding of MIC and could lead to simpler, cheaper and more environmentally friendly solutions,” says Steve Armstrong, President and CEO of Genome Atlantic.
Managing Microbial Corrosion in Canadian Offshore and Onshore Oil Production mobilizes a large and diverse team with expertise in genomics, electro chemistry, modeling, engineering and practical application. Project partners for the Atlantic portion of the project include Memorial University, Dalhousie University, Husky Energy, Suncor Energy, LuminUltra, Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador (PRNL), Research and Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC), and Mitacs.
Links
Managing Microbial Corrosion in Canadian Offshore and Onshore Oil Production
UCalgary, UAlberta and Memorial join forces to tackle microbial-induced pipeline corrosion
Five Questions for a leading authority on pipeline corrosion