Microbial Control in Oil and Gas Fluids Using Metabolic Inhibitors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Oil and gas production and industrial fluids face corrosion, pipe blockages, and scale buildup due to microbially influenced corrosion, particularly from sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) that produce hydrogen sulfide, which is toxic and flammable, and acid-producing bacteria (APB) that lead to additional corrosion, with traditional biocides being toxic to the environment.

Innovation Solution

The use of 9,10-anthraquinone as a metabolic inhibitor of SRB, combined with organic or inorganic nitrates or nitrites to stimulate Nitrogen-containing Reducing Bacteria (NRB), which outcompete SRB for resources, reducing sulfide production and corrosion, and the application of molybdates as additional SRB inhibitors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional biocides are used to control SRB, then microbial control effectiveness is improved, but environmental toxicity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial control effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of nitrate/nitrite injection into a beneficial outcome by utilizing nitrogen-containing reducing bacteria to outcompete SRB. The nitrate/nitrite serves as a nutrient source that stimulates NRB growth, which then consumes sulfate and produces benign nitrogen gases, transforming a potential harmful addition into an effective biological control mechanism that eliminates SRB without environmental toxicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service by utilizing the water system's existing nitrogen-containing reducing bacteria population. Instead of introducing external biocides, the patent stimulates the indigenous NRB to autonomously outcompete SRB for resources. The bacteria self-regulate the microbial community structure through competitive exclusion, maintaining control without external toxic substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If biocides are applied frequently to maintain SRB control, then microbial control reliability is improved, but cost and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrobial control reliabilityVSAvoidbiocide consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by establishing a self-sustaining microbial competition system that requires minimal intervention. Once nitrogen-containing reducing bacteria are stimulated to outcompete SRB, the system maintains control through periodic nutrient injection (nitrate/nitrite) rather than continuous biocide application. This periodic sustenance of NRB ensures long-term SRB suppression with reduced substance consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by altering the nutritional parameters of the water system through nitrate/nitrite injection. This changes the resource availability parameter, favoring nitrogen-containing reducing bacteria over SRB. By modifying the chemical composition parameters (nitrate/nitrite concentration), the system creates conditions where NRB naturally outcompete SRB, eliminating the need for frequent biocide applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach provides long-term control of SRB without the environmental toxicity of traditional biocides, reducing corrosion and hydrogen sulfide production, and is more sustainable and cost-effective by promoting NRB to outcompete SRB, thereby reducing the need for frequent biocide applications.

Implementation Method 1

9,10-anthraquinone is a metabolic inhibitor of SRBs that interferes with respiration and Adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) formation of the SRB

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMetabolic inhibition:

Implementation Method 2

injecting an organic or inorganic nitrate or nitrite into the water system... which outcompete SRB for resources, reducing sulfide production and corrosion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompetition for resources:

Implementation Method 3

the application of molybdates as additional SRB inhibitors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrobial inhibition:

Data Source

PatentUS9533901B2Method for control of deleterious microbes in oil and gas and other industrial fluids

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method of controlling sulfides in water systems is disclosed which includes injecting 9,10 anthraquinone into the water system and injecting a nitrate or nitrite into the water system.