Souring of Oil Reservoirs

Seawater provides a plentiful source of sulphate for indigenous Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) populations resident in the wells; SRB reduce sulphate and generates hydrogen sulphide. This can result in oil reservoir ‘souring’ which can impact the quality of the product. Hydrogen sulphide is also highly corrosive and toxic which means an increased threat of corrosion of oil and gas pipelines and infrastructure and heightened concerns over personnel safety. When micro-organisms are involved with corrosion it is referred to as Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC).

Application of molecular microbiological methods in this field, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), is indicating the involvement of other types of microorganisms in souring and/or corrosive processes, for instance Sulphate Reducing Archaea (SRA) and methanogenic archaea.  Bacteria belonging to genus Halanaerobium generate hydrogen sulphide through the reduction of thiosulphate and are gaining prominence in the context of oil and gas recovery from shale through hydraulic fracturing.

How ECHA help with Souring of Oil Reservoirs

• Assess material susceptibility and analyse corrosion deposit samples from your facility in our laboratory to evaluate microbiological contamination and the risk of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion.
• Provide microbial Test Kits. ECHA’s Sig Sulphide® test kit can be used on-site or in the laboratory by non-microbiologists for the detection of Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB).
• Conduct site surveys of tanks and systems if you have concerns about Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion MIC.
• Investigate corrosion incidents or provide advice on remediation, control, monitoring strategies and best practice. Learn more about our Consultancy Services.
• Offer comprehensive, tailored training courses on Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC).