Microbial Control in Oil and Gas Applications

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Disciplines: Completions | Drilling | Production and Operations

Course Description

This course will cover the range of problems caused by microorganisms in oil and gas applications and how to use biocides to prevent and control their growth. The first half will focus on a review of basic microbiology, including the types of organisms encountered, the problems they cause, how cells gain energy and reproduce, and methods used to monitor their growth. The second half will focus on the various methods for controlling microbial growth. This will include both traditional biocides (oxidizing and non-oxidizing) as well as non-chemical devices and alternative methods. The biocide review will include the effectiveness, treatment strategies, and physical, chemical, and environmental properties of the various biocides. Methods to monitor biocide effectiveness and case histories will be presented. New technologies and treatments strategies to control bacterial problems will be reviewed. A discussion of the regulatory approvals required for their use in the US, Canada, and Europe will also be included. The beneficial use of microorganisms for enhanced oil recovery will also be presented.

Learning Level

Introductory

Course Length

1 Day

Why Attend

Microorganisms can significantly impact the quality and productivity of oil and gas hydrocarbon reserves, damage pipelines and assets, and spoil process additives. Bacteria are reported to be responsible for 20-40% of the total corrosion damage and are the sole cause of biogenic souring of hydrocarbons from their hydrogen sulfide waste products. Their growth in produced water often necessitates additional treatment prior to its reuse or disposal. Many new technologies have been developed in recent years identify problem-causing microorganisms and innovative new biocide treatments strategies have been implemented for their control. Recent studies also indicate beneficial bacteria may be useful for enhanced oil recovery. This course will provide a detailed understanding of the impact of microbial contamination in oil and gas extraction and the use of industrial biocides to control or prevent microbial growth.

Who Attends

Drilling, completion, and production engineers; geologists, chemists, environmental scientists, microbiologists; supervisors and field technicians; others involved in management of water resources for oil and gas applications, including hydraulic fracturing, water flooding, water storage, and waste disposal should attend. This is an introductory level course that will focus on the recognition, control, and impact of bacterial growth on corrosion, sulfide souring, formation plugging, and spoilage of critical additives. These problems directly affect the quality and productivity of hydrocarbon reserves, asset integrity, and water disposal.

Special Requirements

Students must bring their own laptops.

CEUs

0.8 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are awarded for this 1-day course.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received no later than 14 days prior to the course start date. Cancellations made after the 14-day window will not be refunded. Refunds will not be given due to no show situations.

Training sessions attached to SPE conferences and workshops follow the cancellation policies stated on the event information page. Please check that page for specific cancellation information.

SPE reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule courses at will. Notification of changes will be made as quickly as possible; please keep this in mind when arranging travel, as SPE is not responsible for any fees charged for cancelling or changing travel arrangements.

We reserve the right to substitute course instructors as necessary.

Instructor