Aurelija Steffensen
Product Manager, Oil & Gas
Phone: +45 24 97 07 27
Email: ast@bactiquant.com
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.
Want to learn more about how Bactiquant can help you level up your business?
Near real-time bacteria monitoring in Oil & Gas operations
Read our Whitepaper on a comprehensive and accurate assessment of bacterial populations introduction.
