Microbiological Monitoring

Microbial monitoring tracks and trends the problematic microorganisms found in various systems, allowing for well-informed planning and risk management.

Microbial monitoring is a valued and important discipline in any industry because microorganisms can represent a persistent threat to the integrity of infrastructure through microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), water quality deterioration and biomass blockages, or product value loss through reservoir souring and microbial depletion of chemicals and commodities.

If problems are detected too late or corrective measures are not taken, system failures and operational instabilities can occur. Emergency remedial action may be the only solution, or at worst control may only be regained by extensive materials replacement or the complete abandonment of processes.

Our Total Quality Assurance specialists work to develop detailed monitoring programmes and microbial testing options, which are tailored to suit your systems. See below a non-exhaustive list of preferred options.

To ensure best protection of an asset, a holistic monitoring plan is recommended with complete appraisal of an installation or site for existing or potential future infrastructure and asset integrity risks. This bespoke system audit highlights the presence of potentially detrimental microorganisms and is the first step in tackling any problems they may cause.

In the oil and gas industry microorganisms such as sulphate-reducing bacteria and archaea, and methanogens, among others, are known to cause microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). MIC has been attributed to many failures in the past and represents a persistent challenge for operators. Often occurring in injection, production and firewater systems, MIC also affects pipelines and processing facilities. In extreme cases, accelerated corrosion can cause significant damage to the inside of storage tanks and flow lines.

Refined oils (diesel, lubricants, etc.) are also vulnerable to microbial (bacteria and fungi) growth, which can greatly affect their quality, cause blockages and compromise the integrity of pumps, cam shafts and fuel injectors.

Additionally, unchecked bacterial activity can deplete nitrite-based corrosion inhibitors within heating and cooling medium systems and impact heat exchanger efficiency.

Microbiological surveys are conducted by our experienced professionals to highlight areas of your systems that may be vulnerable to microbial growth and activity. The data can then be used to determine suitable approaches to prevent or alleviate MIC and other microbial related issues in susceptible areas.

Following an in-depth field survey, or desk study, high-risk areas that should be monitored regularly can be identified. Established through decades of extensive in-house development of microbiological testing methods and management of high frequency datasets, Intertek designed a web-based monitoring system, BugTracker. This is designed to assist your business in reducing the risk of asset failure, safeguarding the health of personnel, and optimising expenditure.

Providing continuous microbial monitoring and control, BugTracker allows you to predict the likelihood of problems developing and address existing damage before it becomes unmanageable. Its early-warning system alerts you to deviation from agreed key performance indicators, while customised system diagrams highlight developing issues, allowing for timely remedial action. Furthermore, a dedicated account manager will help track samples, trend data and ensure that important information, reports, and data records are stored and readily available in one central location.

Non-routine microbial testing is also occasionally required, and we can provide advice on testing options and supply a vast range of consumables from Microbiology Media Test kits to Molecular Sampling Kits. and microbial monitoring from our innovative laboratories, to help you better manage the threat from microbiological impact on your operations.

Microbiological contamination of fuel storage and distribution systems is a common problem throughout the Oil & Gas Industry. Once a system has been heavily contaminated, it can be extremely difficult to regain microbiological control. Therefore, proactive maintenance and monitoring regimes are recommended to minimise bacterial proliferation within the storage and distribution system.

Maintaining good quality fuel is important, especially when systems are in remote locations, such as offshore facilities. Microbiological growth predominately occurs at the fuel/water interface or on internal tank walls and can severely affect fuel quality. Routine monitoring includes testing for bacteria, yeast and mould as well as fungal fragments. Presence of these can result in reduced fuel quality due to fuel degradation over time, but also cause filter blockages. Where water has accumulated and left in fuel tanks presents risk to tank integrity as microorganisms such as SRB can grow within these environments, which are often associated with corrosion. To protect against these risks a typical fuel suite test will quantify bacteria, yeast, moulds, fungal fragments, moisture content and total suspended solids, as well as a visual inspection.

All of our oilfield microbial monitoring is undertaken to the industry recommended standard AMPP (NACE) TM0194. The use of more advanced molecular techniques is becoming more common in the industry and our methods follow the AMPP (NACE) TMO212 standard.

When a bespoke solution is required for microbiological issues, such as biocide efficacy trials, or biofouling control strategies our microbiology projects services can facilitate the implementation of risk management strategies and guide optimum product usage.

At the forefront of microbiology innovation and solutions for more than three decades, we are the ideal partner for oilfield microbial monitoring and can also provide a full suite of related exploration and production services.

With our global reach and world-class centres of excellence, we can provide the effective approaches you need to maintain the health and productivity of your business.