Proceedings of The 3rd International Academic Conference on Research in Engineering and Technology
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Biofilm Formation in X52 Steel Surfaces Used in Algerian Crude Oil Pipelines and its Mitigation
Hadjer Didouh, M. Hadj Melliani and I. Sameut Bouhaik
ABSTRACT:
In the vast network of crude oil pipelines traversing Algeria, an unseen battle rages between steel surfaces and microscopic adversaries – biofilms. These slimy microbial communities pose a formidable threat to pipeline integrity and efficiency, making their understanding a paramount concern for the oil and gas industry. Our research endeavors to unravel the intricate mechanisms governing biofilm adhesion and the insidious biocorrosion processes on X52 steel surfaces, the workhorses of Algerian crude oil pipelines. Through a multi-faceted approach, we delved into the intricate interplay between biofilms and steel, unveiling a gripping tale of microbial persistence and material degradation. surface characterization, revealing the microscopic topography and hydrophilicity of X52 steel – a landscape beckoning bacterial colonization. Adhesion force measurements unveiled the tenacious grip exerted by biofilm-forming bacteria, hinting at the complexity of their attachment strategies. scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy unveiled the telltale signs of biocorrosion iron sulfide deposits within the corroded pits. Siedlecki, M et al [1] confirm the adhesion of biofilms to X52 steel. our study found that the adhesion of sulfate-reducing bacteria biofilms to X52 steel increased with increasing roughness of the surface and the adhesion of biofilms to X52 steel was affected by the surface energy and hydrophobicity of the steel [2]. The study found that the biofilm formation on X52 steel increased over time and was more pronounced in the presence of sulfate-reducing bacteria. also observed pitting corrosion on the steel surface after 21 days of exposure to the simulated production water. The results suggested that biofilm formation and corrosion could lead to the deterioration of X52 steel used in crude oil pipelines. The formation of biofilm isolates the metal surface from its environment and allows the bacteria to control the parameters of the metal/bacteria interface. To prevent biofilm adhesion, we used Moringa Oleifera as biocides, and the modification of the surface properties of the steel.
keywords: Bio-corrosion, biofilm, attachment, metal/bacteria interface