In 1995, some 28 years after the first oil was produced, it was noticed that the production facilities handling El-Morgan field crude were experiencing very high corrosion rates as measured by weight loss coupons. A
preliminary survey indicated that significant levels of planktonic sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) were present. Pigging facilities were not available on the critical portion of the oil lines, so a program of on-line cleaning was commenced. This treatment was followed by batches of surfactant bactericides identified as effective through time-kill tests conducted in the field. Finally, a water soluble corrosion inhibitor was applied continuously to the facilities. This program succeeded in achieving control of internal corrosion in the system. Details of the treatment procedures and results are given in this paper.
Keywords: hydrogen sulphide, iron sulphide, planktonic bacteria, sessile bacteria, bactericide, waterflood.