Analytical Technology for Early Detection of Microbially-Influenced Corrosion Biomarkers

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Large-scale fluid transmission systems (e.g., oil and gas assets, municipal water distribution systems) rely on metal pipelines susceptible to corrosion. Catastrophic corrosion-related failures make headlines with contamination of land and waterways, health effects, habitat damage, and years-long clean-up efforts with high costs and revenue losses. In the oil and gas industry alone the cost of corrosion is estimated at $3-7B per year. Microbial activity can accelerate attack of metal surfaces and microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) is detected in approximately 20% of pipeline failures. Reduction of MIC is addressed through the use of biocides to prevent the formation of biofilms and improved pipeline design (e.g., dead-leg reduction, expensive corrosion-resistant materials). However, corrosion is usually only detected through visual inspection of the outside of pipelines for small failures and of metal coupons placed inside pipelines that must be physically removed for inspection. These methods detect corrosion long after the process has begun when treatment requires costly shutdowns and replacement of damaged infrastructure. Given the role of MIC in failure, there is significant interest from industry prevention of MIC by early detection and treatment to reduce the microbial activity. However, MIC reduction requires much better technology for early detection.One attractive approach is to detect low quantities of MIC biomarkers as indicators for increased microbial. Such tools would allow operators to act, ideally by temporarily increasing biocide loading or cleaning pipes (pigging). Our solution is a simple user-friendly technique to detect known biomarkers of MIC activity in transmission lines. Specifically, we have developed a prototype device to detect benzyl succinate (BSu) a confirmed toluene metabolite of MIC-specific organisms confirmed by genomics. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), and phenols are found in oil pipelines, and other industrial wastewater streams and produce similar metabolites that can be captured by our device. The unique feature of our device is the tailor-made porous molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), which is a selective sorbent material we design and fabricate in our lab. The MIP is coated on a stainless-steel substrate that allows for easy handling and high sample throughput. Analytical methods developed using BSu-MIPs provide low detection limits necessary for early detection of MIC activity (=ng/mL). The prototype developed as a small part of a large multi-partner (academic-industry) Genome Canada-funded project (ends 09/2022), has been identified as having high commercial potential. The work described in this proposal is centered around activities required to complete market research and develop a commercialization plan.