A study of microbial influenced corrosion in hamada oil field

Abstract EN

technical study was conducted on Jan, 2018 to evaluate the corrosion rates due to the presence of SRB bacteria and H2S gas at Hamada oilfield located in southwestern of Libya and suggest recommendations to resolve the issue.

Complete chemical water analysis was done on site using Clariant and EBCRC laboratory equipment and It is observed that SRB, H2S and CO2were present at high levels mainly in whole production system.

Based on the tests and observations, it is identified that the corrosion process at Hamada oilfield is microbial localized corrosion.

It is also observed that, the system is severely corroded and it was without any treatment for more than two years.

Since the system is a kind of low pressure (> 100 psi) and low flow rate system, in future, a stagnant condition is expected in some areas of the pipe lines where they pass through low ground levels.

The results obtained from the retrieved coupons previously installed in the production system do not reflect the real corrosion rates in the system.

Only one coupon gave a higher corrosion rate and it may agree with the real condition.

A heavy localized pitting corrosion was observed in Sat.

11,13 trunk line.

From this study, It can be concluded that the weight loss coupons monitoring method is not suitable for a system containing SRB and H2S environment, and it is highly recommended to replace it with more suitable monitoring technique.