The University of Oklahoma (OU) Biocorrosion Center is working to generate new knowledge and technology to diagnose and mitigate hydrocarbon biodegradation and carbon steel biocorrosion problems in the energy industry. These relatively poorly understood processes have enormous consequences including damaged pipelines, storage facilities, separators, tankers and refineries. Biocorrosion is one of the leading causes of product interruptions and hazardous material discharges into the environment. The OU Biocorrosion Center is uniquely equipped to provide solutions to this industry-wide problem given its long history and focus on the study of the anaerobic microbiology of hydrocarbon degradation. Researchers at the Center have access to corroding microbial communities enriched and/or isolated from specimens gathered during expeditions to Alaska’s North Slope and from other industrial facilities operated by participating sponsors. Using state of the art molecular, microscopic and analytical chemistry techniques, new methods are being developed to diagnose and respond to the microbial activities that are at the heart of biocorrosion problems.
Our research will determine the most valuable tools and approaches for diagnosing and monitoring biocorrosion in oil field facilities. With a better understanding of the microbial ecology of biocorrosion processes we will be able to develop directed mitigation strategies. If your company would like to participate in this pioneering research, please contact our Director.