Evaluating MIC Effects on Pipeline Integrity Through Case Studies

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is an electrochemical process driven by microorganisms in oil and gas pipelines. MIC begins with biofilm formation, where microbes generate corrosive metabolic byproducts. It includes aerobic and/or anaerobic mechanisms, with anaerobes thriving without oxygen. Key contributors include sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), iron-reducing bacteria (IRB), iron-oxidizing bacteria, acid-producing bacteria, acid-reducing bacteria, and methanogens. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis confirms microbial involvement in pipeline corrosion. This article presents case studies linking MIC—primarily from SRB, SOB, and IRB—to metallurgical failures in pipeline steels.