Abstract

VIDELA, Héctor A  and  HERRERA QUINTERO, Liz Karen. Biocorrosion in oil recovery systems: Prevention and protection. An update. Rev. Téc. Ing. Univ. Zulia [online]. 2007, vol.30, n.Especial, pp.272-279. ISSN 0254-0770.

Seawater injection systems are widely used in oil recovery. Biocorrosion of metallic structures and oil souring due to the action of sulfate-reducing bacteria are two of the most relevant problems affecting these systems. A proper understanding of the complex biological and inorganic processes occurring at the surface of metallic structures is needed to carry out effective treatments for biocorrosion prevention and protection. Moreover, monitoring of biocide treatments in real time is mandatory to achieve an effective control. Recently, a wide variety of innovative techniques to study biocorrosion and monitoring methods has been developed and are presently used with new biocide formula taking especially into account environmental preservation. An updated review of these advances in the field is briefly offered at the end of this presentation.

Keywords : Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB); secondary oil recovery; water injection systems; biofilms; biocorrosion.