Management and control of biofilms in the oil and gas industry

Microbial biofilms can cause significant economic and environmental issues in oilfield systems from reduction

in flow rates, souring of crude oil and contribution to corrosion of concrete and metal surfaces. Current

methods for the control of biofilms in these situations include the use of chemical biocides which are expensive

and can lead to environmental contamination. This project will evaluate the application of bacteriophage as a

natural alternative for biofilm control in oilfield systems. Although phage technology is not novel in itself its

application it has not been used actively in industrial situations. This project will evaluate the application of

phage technology for biocontrol for assets in the UK North Sea continental shelf.