DNV has joined ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company and Microbial Insights, Inc in a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to develop the next generation of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) detection, monitoring and mitigation technology.
With global costs of corrosion estimated at USD 2.5 trillion, the project aims to significantly enhance detection and monitoring methods of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). MIC poses a significant problem in numerous industries, and taking early action to mitigate its effects can protect the environment and safe operations by reducing the risk of costly pipeline failures.
Assembling MIC experts from across the industry, the project plans to create up to 1,200 datapoints of corrosion-to-biomarker correlations, generated on simulated pipelines with actual field waters and participant-selected service conditions.
The team aims to develop methods, tools and workflows to improve reliable detect of MIC in oil field operations, heavily leveraging advanced laboratory (bio)reactors and molecular analytical platforms that have been specifically developed for MIC biomarker discovery and KPI development.
“The MIC biomarkers identified during this JIP could also be used to monitor and manage microbial corrosion for other applications including, underground gas storage, offshore wind turbines, cooling water plants, water storage tanks, drinking water pipelines, ship hulls, fuel tanks and so on,” added Dr Susmitha Purnima Kotu, DNV JIP Lead.
