The souring of normally sweet production systems is a significant problem which can have implications to continued oiltield operations. Such problems are commonly approached by gathering of field sample and laboratory analysis or by simple test kits. This paper describes an
alternative approach which includes the use of specialized field sampling and analysis procedures and portable equipment that can be move from site to site. A case study is presented that illustrates the use of these procedures and equipment. In the present case, it was learned that whereas souring was occurring in oil producing wells, no major infection of SRB was found. Evaluation of the injection wells indicated only limited inflection. Based on field studies it was found that the problem was likely due to maintenance of a sessile SRB population in the injection system due to a combination of GHB and accumulation of solids
followed by growth of mesophilic SRB in the formation rifler injection. Remedial actions were developed based on field data and this mechanism of reservoir souring.
Keywords: Souring, hydrogen sulfide, microbiology,
testing, water injection, oilfwld, biofilms, corrosion, MIC, field