The company said that interim results of testing by Commercial Microbiology have shown that Biosignal’s compounds can significantly reduce the growth of biofilms formed from mixed populations of oil field bacteria.
Based on these results, Biosignal will begin field trials of its compounds against biofilms and microbial corrosion in pipelines and other infrastructure in operating Australian oil fields. The company said it has already purchased the equipment to conduct the trials, which should begin this quarter and conclude early in the second quarter of 2008.
Biosignal chief executive Peter Steinberg said the successful completion of the field trials would put the company close to having its first product on the market.
The company, whose research has been supported by Santos and BHP Billiton, hired oil field microbiology specialist Commercial Microbiology in July to conduct testing on the anti-biofilm compounds.
The testing was conducted in a system designed to mimic an oil field seawater injection system; such systems are used to maintain reservoir pressure and facilitate oil extraction at oil sites.
According to Biosignal the testing showed that the compounds specifically targeted sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) – the main culprits for damage to oil and gas infrastructure. They lead to pitting corrosion that causes pipe leakage and breakdown and can also cause hydrogen sulfide “souring” of oil.
The interim results show that Biosignal’s lead compound in this application was able to reduce biofilms of SRB by 1000 times compared to no treatment. Importantly, the compounds also reduced acid producing bacteria populations that can also degrade pipe surfaces.
Test samples will be grown for a further period to confirm the results. A second round of testing is planned to trial higher concentrations of the lead compound and compare activity with conventional treatments as well as test combinations with existing biocides currently used in oil fields. Full results from this work are expected before the end of the year.
