COURSE OVERVIEW:

Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is one of the most persistent and costly threats to the integrity of oilfield infrastructure. This course provides a deep dive into the biological mechanisms that drive corrosion in pipelines, tanks, and downhole equipment. Participants will explore the specific types of bacteria such as Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB) and Acid-Producing Bacteria (APB) that thrive in the anaerobic, fluid-rich environments of the oil patch, leading to rapid pitting and equipment failure.

The curriculum focuses on modern techniques for targeting and testing microbial activity. Attendees will learn the differences between traditional culture-based methods (bottles) and advanced molecular tools like qPCR and DNA sequencing, which provide a much faster and more accurate picture of the microbial community. The course provides clear guidelines on how to establish a monitoring program that identifies "hot spots" for bacterial growth before significant metal loss occurs.

Effective treatment strategies are central to the training, covering the selection and application of biocides. Participants will examine the differences between oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides, the challenges of biofilm penetration, and the importance of chemical rotation to prevent bacterial resistance. By the end of the program, engineers and integrity specialists will be equipped to develop an integrated microbial management plan that reduces the risk of leaks, improves facility longevity, and ensures safe operations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Explain the biological processes behind Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC).
• Identify the key microbial groups responsible for oilfield degradation.
• Understand how biofilms form and their role in protecting bacteria from biocides.
• Describe the mechanics of SRB induced pitting in carbon steel pipelines.
• Select appropriate microbial sampling points in production and injection systems.
• Compare traditional culture methods with modern DNA based testing (qPCR).
• Interpret laboratory microbial analysis reports for field application.
• Design a biocide treatment program using batch and continuous injection.
• Evaluate biocide effectiveness through kill studies and field monitoring.
• Manage the challenges of bacterial resistance and chemical rotation.
• Troubleshoot the impact of microbes on water injection well skin damage.
• Integrate MIC management into the broader Asset Integrity Management System.
• Formulate a risk assessment for microbial threats in new and mature assets.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is designed for Integrity Engineers, Corrosion Engineers, Production Chemists, and Maintenance Supervisors responsible for protecting oilfield assets from microbial threats.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.