Thermophilic Sulphide Generating Bacteria Causing Corrosion in High Temperature Oilfield Systems

Abstract

Studies designed to det. the extent of contamination of oil prodn. plant and hydrocarbon reservoirs by thermophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria (t-SRB) are described. A model is presented which describes the involvement of t-SRB in reservoir souring. Specific isolation and enumeration methodol. have been developed which permit the consistent recovery of t-SRB from such high temp./high pressure systems. Results indicate a potential involvement of t-SRB in reservoir souring processes and subsequent contamination and corrosion of prodn. plant. The core of the model is that seawater flooding modifies the balance of sulfate, temp., and org. nutrient status in the reservoir.