Disinfection of sulfate reducing bacteria using ultraviolet treatment in mitigating microbiologically influenced corrosion

Abstract

Oil and gas pipeline systems often fail due to Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC). Chemical biocide is one of the common treatments to combat MIC. However, this method is costly and further usage of chemical biocides may lead to serious environment pollutions. In an attempt to disinfectDesulfovibrio vulgaris, a species involved in MIC from oil and gas pipelines, ultraviolet wave is used as a potential alternative. D. vulgaris (ATCC7757) was cultured in broth number 1249 (Modified Barr's Medium) and the medium was adjusted to pH 9.5 at 37°C based on the Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) optimum growth parameters. Carbon steel coupons grade API 5LX70 were cut to approximately 10×20×5 mm and kept in anaerobic vials along with the cultured medium. The prepared samples were incubated for 11 days, followed by exposure to ultraviolet for 1 h. Results from the study elucidated that ultraviolet (UV) is a viable option for SRB disinfection and could effectively reduce the growth of SRB. © 2014 Asian Network for Scientific Information.