Microbial Corrosion in Petroleum Product Transporting Pipelines

Abstract

Petroleum product pipelines in India contain large numbers of various types of microorganisms that either directly or indirectly enhance corrosion. Field studies have been carried out by CSIR-CECRI to investigate the corrosion problem in petroleum product transporting pipelines in South India. Although Unicor J inhibitor was added in the pipeline to control corrosion, corrosion products were detected in the pipeline. The present study reveals that the degradation of the inhibitor enhances the proliferation of bacteria, which enhances the corrosion. The selection of an inhibitor to control corrosion has also been done.