Chemical Testing

Oilfield Microbiology

The oil and gas industry faces many
microbiological-related challenges,
such as souring, H2S production,
microbiologically influenced corrosion
(MIC) and biofouling.
Often, biocides are used to overcome
these issues. However, it is essential to
evaluate and assess these treatment
regimes in order to optimise dosage,
minimise cost and maximise efficiency
for oil and gas clients.
At Intertek, we can offer a variety of chemical
testing options as part of our range of
microbiology services available to the oil and gas
industry.
Our teams carry out independent testing to
address the causes of industry challenges and
their potential solutions.
We also possess the scope to undertake bespoke
testing and accommodate an extensive range of
unique requirements.
All of our testing adheres to the standard
TMO194-2004, ‘Field Monitoring of Bacterial
Growth in Oil and Gas Systems’.

Benefits
• Leading chemical testing methods for the oil and gas industry.
• Bespoke testing options available, according to your requirements.
• All testing based around industry recongised standard.

Production and
Integrity Assurance
Offices
Australia - Adelaide
2 Elder Road
Birkenhead. Port, 5015
Tel +61 8 8249 9971
Libya - Tripoli
Al Shaat Road, Souq Al-juma,
P.O Box 3788.
Tel +218 21 351 4534
Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur
No. 7, Jalan Teknologi 3/5A,
Pusat Teknologi Sinar Damansara,
PJU 5, Kota Damansara,
47810 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Darul Ehsan.
Tel +603 6156 2200
UAE - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Technology Center,
Mussafah Industrial Area,
M37, Plot No 90,
P.O. Box No.95484,
Tel + 971 2 447 6106
UAE - Dubai
Millennium Plaza Tower,
14th Floor,
Sheikh Zayed Road,
PO Box 26290.
Tel +971 4 317 8777
UK - Aberdeen
Exploration Drive,
Aberdeen Science and
Energy Park,
Aberdeen, AB23 8HZ,
Tel +44 1224 708 500
UK - Manchester
Bainbridge House,
86-90 London Road,
Manchester, M1 2PW,
Tel +44 161 933 4000
Units 6, 7, 8, 14 & 15,
Longwood Road,
Trafford Park,
M17 1PZ.
Tel + 44 161 245 8016
UK - Oxford,
Unit 6,
Hanborough Business Park
Long Hanborough,
Witney, OX29 8LH,
Tel +44 1993 882 445
Biocide Trials
Biocides are vital chemicals used for bacterial
control to prevent associated issues in oil and gas
process systems.
A variety of test methods are available.
• Biocide efficacy trials.
• Biocide evaluation testing (new biocides vs
incumbent biocides)
• New product testing to provide crucial
independent laboratory data.
• Field trials and monitoring.
Specialised Chemical Testing Projects
At Intertek, our team can carry out other
specialised testing projects to meet the needs of
your business. These include:
• UV efficacy.
• Microbiologically influenced corrosion
assessments.
Sessile Testing
Most microbial-related issues occur on pipelines
or tank inner surfaces, therefore it is important
to test the efficiency of the biocides against
microbes in a protective biofilm.
Sessile testing provides data on biocide
performance against sessile microbial populations
(biofilms).
As with planktonic testing, the microbes are
cultured from the required water for use in the
testing.
The microbes are grown as biofilm on a surface
of known area and exposed to the biocide
under test. The sessile testing can be done either
statistically or dynamically, depending on the
requirements.
production.assurance@intertek.com
www.intertek.com/ep
Planktonic Testing
Biocides will be assessed at different
concentrations, after various contact times to gain
a ranking of efficacy.
Planktonic testing provides data on biocide
performance against planktonic populations.
The microbes can be cultured from seawater,
or specific waters and brines may be provided
by the client for testing. Standard testing uses
the triplicate most probable number analysis for
microbial enumeration.
Other methods are available and can be discussed
on request.
• Evaluation of the effect of silver-based
products on bacterial numbers.
• Microbial-enhanced oil recovery.
• Corrosion trials.
• Nitrate treatment evaluation.
Fixed-Film Uplow Bioreactor (FFUBR)
FFUBRs can be used to simulate a reservoir and
can help to study the potential of a field to
become sour. It can also be used to investigate
potential mitigation strategies.
In addition, FFUBRs can facilitate various
experiments, including reservoir souring
studies, nitrate optimisation studies and biocide
treatments.
Various analyses can be performed to determine
the effects of any of the parameters i.e. sulphide,
sulphate, iron, pH, nitrate, DNA extraction and
subsequent analysis (qPCR, new generation
sequencing), FISH, MPN counts, volatile fatty acids
etc.