Methanogenic archaea and sulfate reducing bacteria induce severe corrosion of steel pipelines after hydrostatic testing

Abstract Complex interactions within a microbial consortium can induce severe corrosion in oil pipelines. This study investigated the mechanism of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) that led to failure of X52 steel pipelines after hydrostatic testing. Laboratory hydrostatic testing with untreated lake water and underground water were used to simulate and study the events that led to the actual corrosion. Biofilm analysis, weight loss, and several electrochemical measurements demonstrated rapid corrosion rates after hydrostatic testing. Analysis of microbial community structures revealed that methanogenic archaea and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), introduced by the hydrotest water, formed corrosive biofilms on X52 steel coupon surfaces that induced severe pitting.