Microbiologically Induced Corrosion of Three Tubular Materials

The performance of three tubular materials (C-90, L-80, and N-80) was evaluated in a synthetic brine inoculated with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the absence and presence of biocides. A flow loop was used in the evaluation of the three alloys. Morphological examination of the alloy surfaces after exposure to SRB and after biocide treatment was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the nature of any localized corrosion. The SE images of the coupon samples showed a marked difference between the biocide-treated and untreated samples. Small pits were observed on the ultrasonically cleaned surfaces of the three alloys after exposure to SRB. The biocide treatment reduced the number of SRB on the surfaces of the alloys. Results indicated that C-90 and L-80 alloys exhibited better MIC resistance than N-80 under the conditions used in this study.