Bacteria and Microbiologically Induced Corrosion Control in Unconventional Gas Field

The unconventional gas field comes with the new energy opportunity but also presents new challenge. One the challenges is the bacteria and MIC control due to its more complex water production and use system when the frac fluid reuse a large amount treated produced water compared to the conventional gas field. This paper reviews our learning in dealing with bacteria and microbiologically induced corrosion in our unconventional gas fields.  Our recent  bacteria and MIC investigation help asset better understand the threat of bacteria and microbial induced corrosion (MIC), then to improve the corrosion/leak/spill mitigation program for all key business processes: drilling, completion, surface production, water disposal and water recycle. The direct business impact is to improve the effectiveness of bacteria/MIC control and optimize the use of the annual OPEX on bacteria control. The long-term business impact is to comply with governmental regulations related to HSE.

Our management method established to control bacteria and MIC including 1) Understand the current situation 2) Assess the risk 3) Implement the treating, monitoring, and effectiveness assessment will be summarized in this paper.

Key Words: Bacteria, Corrosion, MIC, chemical treating, biocide, monitoring, risk, reservoir souring, H2S, fouling, water treating, water disposal, flowback water, produced water, frac water.