Sulfate-reducing bacteria: microbes that live without oxygen and turn sulfate into sulfide, producing H2S, black iron sulfide deposits and sometimes souring whole reservoirs. They thrive under deposits, in stagnant water, tank bottoms, water floods and wet soil around pipe. SRB are counted with serial dilution vials or DNA methods such as qPCR and controlled with biocides, pigging and flow; many CP engineers apply a -950 mV criterion where they are active.
SRB came back four bottles positive, so the glutaraldehyde batch starts this week.
Also heard as
- sulfate-reducing bacteria
- sulfate reducers
Related terms
MIC
Microbiologically influenced corrosion: corrosion started or sped up by bacteria and other microbes.
Bugs
Field slang for the bacteria behind microbiologically influenced corrosion and system souring.
Bug bottle
Field nickname for the serial dilution culture vials used to count bacteria in water samples.
Black powder
Fine black dust of iron sulfides and oxides that forms inside gas pipelines and fouls filters, meters and valves.