Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion

Consultant/Trainer: Ali Morshed

Engineers in oil and gas face growing challenges in managing asset integrity under harsh conditions, especially with undetected microbial activity causing localized corrosion in critical systems.

The lack of standardized monitoring and mitigation strategies increases risks and operational costs. Corrosion management is often poorly integrated into broader asset integrity frameworks, and delays in identifying root causes are worsened by inconsistent use of modern microbial analysis methods.

Additionally, limited understanding of design and material selection impacts proactive prevention efforts.

Participants

This course is valuable for professionals involved in asset integrity management, corrosion control, and risk assessment within the oil and gas industry. It benefits those responsible for maintaining equipment reliability, optimizing corrosion-related costs, and improving safety.

No specific technical background is required, but participants with field experience will find the course especially useful. Engineers, inspectors, maintenance personnel, and anyone contributing to asset integrity strategies can gain practical insights and tools to enhance their corrosion management approach.

Learning Objectives

As a participant, you can expect to gain practical skills and insights that will enhance your ability to manage Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) effectively. By completing the course, you will be able to:
  • Design and execute MIC monitoring programs using both conventional and advanced microbiological techniques.
  • Quantify risk reduction and cost savings through optimized mitigation planning and improved inspection intervals.
  • Reduce failure rates in seawater injection and firewater systems through targeted MIC control interventions.
  • Implement corrosion management tools (e.g., control matrices, KPIs) to support asset integrity objectives.
Day 1
  • Corrosion and Corrosion Engineering in the oil & gas industry
  • MIC in the Upstream Oil & Gas Industry
  • Microorganisms and Bacterial Types in the Oil & Gas Industry
  • Bacterial Nutrition & Growth Conditions
  • Pre-Course Assessment
Day 2
  • Bacterial Metabolism
  • Biofilm Basics
  • Introduction to SRB & its Deterioration Mechanisms
  • Predominant MIC Mechanisms & Their Repercussions in the Oil & Gas Industry
  • Bacterial Problems: Seawater Injection Systems
  • Bacterial Problems: Firewater Systems
  • Bacterial Monitoring
  • Bacterial Analysis Techniques: Traditional and Molecular Microbiological Methods (MMM)
Day 3
  • MIC Mitigation Process
  • Water Removal
  • Biociding – Oxidising & Non-Oxidising Chemicals
  • Nitrate Treatment
  • MIC & Design, Materials Selection, Coatings & CP
Day 4
  • Integrity and Integrity Management Concepts
  • The Classical Integrity Management View
  • Corrosion Management Background in the UK’s Upstream Oil & Gas Industry
  • Corrosion Management and Integrity Management Measure Concepts
  • Corrosion Control Matrices and Corrosion Key Performance Indicators
Day 5
  • Improved MIC Mitigation Through Corrosion Management Applications
  • MIC & Inspections
  • MIC & Corrosion Monitoring & Fluid Sampling
  • MIC & Management Requirements
  • MIC & RBI
  • Introduction to MIC Mitigation in SWIS
  • Introductions to MIC Models
  • Conclusions & Recommendations
  • Post-Course Assessment

Programme

Day 1
  • Corrosion and Corrosion Engineering in the oil & gas industry
  • MIC in the Upstream Oil & Gas Industry
  • Microorganisms and Bacterial Types in the Oil & Gas Industry
  • Bacterial Nutrition & Growth Conditions
  • Pre-Course Assessment
Day 2
  • Bacterial Metabolism
  • Biofilm Basics
  • Introduction to SRB & its Deterioration Mechanisms
  • Predominant MIC Mechanisms & Their Repercussions in the Oil & Gas Industry
  • Bacterial Problems: Seawater Injection Systems
  • Bacterial Problems: Firewater Systems
  • Bacterial Monitoring
  • Bacterial Analysis Techniques: Traditional and Molecular Microbiological Methods (MMM)
Day 3
  • MIC Mitigation Process
  • Water Removal
  • Biociding – Oxidising & Non-Oxidising Chemicals
  • Nitrate Treatment
  • MIC & Design, Materials Selection, Coatings & CP
Day 4
  • Integrity and Integrity Management Concepts
  • The Classical Integrity Management View
  • Corrosion Management Background in the UK’s Upstream Oil & Gas Industry
  • Corrosion Management and Integrity Management Measure Concepts
  • Corrosion Control Matrices and Corrosion Key Performance Indicators
Day 5
  • Improved MIC Mitigation Through Corrosion Management Applications
  • MIC & Inspections
  • MIC & Corrosion Monitoring & Fluid Sampling
  • MIC & Management Requirements
  • MIC & RBI
  • Introduction to MIC Mitigation in SWIS
  • Introductions to MIC Models
  • Conclusions & Recommendations
  • Post-Course Assessment