Accurate in-field evaluations of bacterial presence and activity

Controlling bacteria in Oil and Gas operations

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a potentially catastrophic result of unchecked bacterial activity and can seriously compromise well integrity and damage critical infrastructure. Bacteria can corrode oil production facilities, lead to the souring of wells, and counteract the reuse of flow-back water and produced water. Ultimately, this results in higher operating costs, reduced revenue, and severe environmental and health hazard. The traditional methods for detecting and enumerating bacteria in Oil and Gas operations are cumbersome and time-consuming, with 24 hours to 28 days of analysis, making them inefficient in an operational environment requiring rapid decision-making to stay in control.

Microorganisms constantly threaten operational efficiency and safety in the Oil and Gas exploration and production process systems. Improper or over-treatment of oilfield-produced water with biocides will result in environmental pollution. Hence relevant treatment technologies and chemicals should be used according to actual conditions. So, finding the correct bacterial contamination to treat the produced water is key to the oil industry.

In-field evaluations of bacterial presence in minutes

Our robust technology delivers accurate in-field evaluations of bacterial presence and activity minutes after sampling. This secures a rapid geographical bacteria survey on an entire field or production equipment sequence to determine the extent of bacterial contamination within one day. Fast, on-site results can characterize biocide effectiveness, evaluate the biostability of the water, and monitor the microbiology that may cause corrosion, souring, or fouling.

Results can be obtained in as little as 10 minutes with a sensitivity < 100 CFU/ml. The technology is applicable across a range of water types and sources, and the analysis is not compromised by the presence of chemicals, tannins, algae, clays, or other materials.

How Bactiquant’s technology works

Water samples are filtered through a filter 0.22, where the bacteria are collected on the surface of the membrane, eliminating potential background interferents.

The enzyme substrate is added directly to the filter house. The substrate reacts with a naturally occurring bacterial enzyme, releasing a fluorescent compound. The reaction time is approximately 15–30 min depending on the application.

Enzyme activity with fluorescence is measured using a handheld fluorometer. The more fluorescence produced, the more bacteria are present in the sample.

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Near real-time bacteria monitoring in Oil & Gas operations

Read our Whitepaper on a comprehensive and accurate assessment of bacterial populations introduction.

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Field and Laboratory Evaluation of an Automated Bacterial Bioburden Measurement Device

Metal corrosion associated with the growth and reproduction of microorganisms is known as microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). MIC causes damage to metal surfaces in several water-based industries including drinking water distribution, cooling water equipment, sewage treatment, underground pipes, bilges, piping, and tanks of maritime vessels. MIC is extensively seen in the oil and gas industry.

Product Number: 51323-19047-SG

Author: M, Miller, A, Steffensen, J. Fajt

Publication Date: 2023

Real-Time Bacteria Monitoring Applications in Oil & Gas Operations can Help to Prevent and Mitigate Corrosion

Controlling bacteria in Oil & Gas ops is crucial for flow assurance and system integrity. Bacteria become more resistant over time, like leveling up in a game. Detecting high-skill bacteria quickly is vital for HSE, corrosion prevention, and efficiency. Traditional methods take too long (24 hours to 28 days). A portable fluorometric technology identifies and monitors bacterial contamination in real-time, helping address issues promptly, such as a failed biocide injection pump.

Paper Number: SPE-210349-MS

Author: M Miller, A Steffensen, S Elleskov, E Vilain

Publication Date: September 2022

Sometime More Is Just More: THPS Biocide Laboratory Kill Study on Wildtype Sulfate Reducing Bacteria.

Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)-phosphonium Sulfate (THPS) is a very common active ingredient in oil and gas biocides. While product labels provide broad guidelines application dosing the lowest effective dose of THPS is difficult to determine. Site water chemistry and bacteria biology variability will affect the dose need to achieve the desired level of bacteria population control. For these reasons biocide dose response studies are commonly conducted on solutions containing bacteria to determine the effect of treatments before application.

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Aurelija Steffensen

Product Manager, Oil & Gas
Phone: +45 24 97 07 27
Email: ast@bactiquant.com