Microbiological studies of the corrosive destruction of underground pipelines and assessment of the bio-contamination of reservoir waters of Variogan oil group

The article highlights the scientific and technical aspects of the destruction of underground steel structures due to biocorrosion. The main factors of the biocorrosive environment are considered, a variety of corrosive bacteria is analyzed, including bioelectrochemical interpretations of their metabolic processes, and modern achievements in the development of methods for inhibiting biocorrosion are described. The study also presents the results of scientific research carried out for many years for the Variogan group of deposits, Russia. The oil of the Variogan group is unique – it is low-sulfur and light with a high content of light hydrocarbons (C1–C6). The transported medium is characterized by an abnormally high gas content. One of the main reasons associated with high corrosion activity is biocorrosion. It has been proven that sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) pose the greatest corrosion hazard among bacteria. They are obligate anaerobes that oxidize organic substances such as pyruvate, lactate, succinate, malate, and alcohols. In some sulfate-reducing bacteria, the ability to oxidize molecular hydrogen has been found. These bacteria are found in rivers, lakes, seas, oceans, and soil, and enter oilfield waters. Effective corrosion inhibitors of the IFKhAN type and the SNPH-1004 R inhibitor with bactericide effect are recommended. The presented material will be of interest to researchers, as well as engineers of organizations that operate underground pipelines.