Advances in understanding microbial corrosion of oil pipelines

Many energy production and exploration facilities in the petroleum industry are susceptible to the microbial attachment and biofilm formation. Microorganisms within biofilm are a big threat to the integrity and durability of structural metallic materials in oilfield. The major concern addressed in this review is microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of metals in the petroleum industry. The paper comprehensively reviewed MIC of metallic materials in the petroleum industry, mechanisms of the various types of microbes implicated in failure of oil pipelines as well pipeline-specific corrosion conditions relevant to biofilm and MIC. Under-deposit-microbiologically influenced corrosion (UD-MIC) and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) assisted-MIC of pipeline were discussed in full details. The current biofilm treatment strategies were also elaborated for suitable oil pipeline operation. The content herein is important for oil companies, research institutions, and professionals in energy sector who are increasingly concerned about the biofilm and microbial activity. This work aims to highlight the danger of biofilm, and its impact on corrosion of metals, crude oil quality and safety assessment in the oilfield.