Oil & Gas Microbial Monitoring and Corrosion Risk

Oil and Gas Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) Monitoring

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) from sulfate-reducing and acid-producing bacteria is a primary driver of asset failure, souring, and downtime in oil and gas operations.

InnovaPrep’s sample preparation tools rapidly concentrate microbial targets from wastewater, production brine, and pipeline fluids, and enabling faster, easier workflows and earlier, more sensitive detection to guide proactive corrosion risk assessment and mitigation.

Key Benefit - Breaking through Workflow Bottlenecks

Microbial monitoring is crucial for protecting oil and gas industry assets from microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) caused by bacteria, archaea, and fungi. It also helps assess the risk of reservoir souring, which can damage infrastructure, pose safety hazards, and lead to environmental and financial consequences.

Detecting MIC-associated microorganisms in production water requires culturing or rapid molecular methods such as qPCR assays and next-generation sequencing (NGS). However, effective sample preparation is essential to enrich MIC-related microbes while minimizing interference from the brine matrix. Traditional filtration methods often create bottlenecks due to the sample’s complexity.

The InnovaPrep Concentrating Pipette (CP Select™) is an automated nano- and microparticle concentrator that rapidly enriches microorganisms and biological particles. Its ease of use and high concentration efficiency make it an ideal solution for isolating MIC-associated organisms from oil and gas production waters.

Fast, easy workflow
Enables early, high-sensitivity detection of MIC-associated organisms
Field-deployable - great for mobile labs
Compatible with qPCR, sequencing, and culture diagnostics
Supports pipeline integrity and oil field biocide strategies

Prior to having the InnovaPrep CP, the work of processing samples was very difficult and often failed to lead to much detection due to inability to adequately achieve concentration. I had tried many different methods (magnetic beads, centrifugal filters, flat membrane filters) and InnovaPrep was most reproducible in results and less prone to DNA/RNA extraction failures.

Related Products

CP Select™ Concentrating Pipette

Experience the efficiency of the FluidPrep™ Concentrating Pipette System by InnovaPrep, engineered to simplify workflows and boost assay sensitivity. This system is highly effective in recovering microorganisms and particles, including bacteria, parasites, molds, fungal spores, whole cells, viruses, and synthetic particles, from sample volumes between 0.5 mL and 5 L.

The one-pass method uses robust filtration followed by instant sample recovery using InnovaPrep's patented Wet Foam Elution™ process delivering a highly concentrated sample ideal for detection by culture, PCR, sequencing, and more – with unprecedented speed and efficiency. For applications needing rapid, reliable sample concentration, this system provides a faster, simpler alternative to traditional culture enrichment, centrifugation, and ultracentrifugation methods.

Includes:

CP Select Instrument
Accessory Kit - Includes the Storage Fluid Adapter, Permeate Line, Maintenance Tip
One-year manufacturer warranty

Consumable supplies (pictured) and optional accessories sold separately.

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FluidPrep™ EasyElute™ - Large Volume Concentration Kit

The Fluidprep™ EasyElute™ Large Volume Concentration Kit is your solution for efficient sample concentration and immediate recovery from large sample volumes. It is designed to streamline your workflow and enhance assay sensitivity in detecting trace microorganisms and particles from fluid volumes of 5, 10, 100+ L. The one-pass method uses robust filtration followed by instant sample recovery using InnovaPrep's patented Wet Foam Elution™ process delivering a highly concentrated sample that improves sensitivity for detection by any analysis method - including culture, PCR, and sequencing - with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

Whether you're trying to detect viruses, bacteria, parasites, or other biological or synthetic targets, EasyElute™ offers unparalleled ease-of-use and performance. 

Kit Includes: 30 kD ultrafilter, elution buffer, with autoclavable tubing and connectors.

Requires a pump for operation.

Options Available

Elution Buffer (PBS or Tris) - irradiated
Single kit or 10 pack
Tubing Set - Standard (untreated) or Autoclaved

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FluidPrep™ CPT - Unirradiated

Single-use, Unirradiated, Concentrating Pipette Tips (CPTs) are available in a variety of formats. Selecting the ideal CPT for use with the FluidPrep Concentrating Pipette System is crucial to achieving optimal performance - both in terms of speed and concentration factor of your target.

Selecting the Right CPT - Factors to consider

1 - Pore Size based on Nature and Size of Target Particle

CPTs are available in four pore sizes – Ultra, 0.05 µm, 0.2 µm, and 0.45 µm to accommodate the wide range of target particle types and sizes.

*Volume and flow rates will vary by matrix and selected menu settings

2 - Surface Area by Sample Matrix and Sample Volume

The complexity of your sample and overall volume to be processed will influence the speed and overall volume that can be processed effectively. Two options area available.

Standard CPTs Membrane surface area is 98 cm² nominal. Recommended for sample volumes over 200 mL and/or more complex or turbid matrices.
Mini 25 CPTs - The membrane surface area is 25 cm² nominal and capable of smaller elution volumes with optimized menu settings. Recommended for sample volumes 200 mL or less and of low complexity/turbidity. Short-walled sample containers and the CP Sample Carousel are required for use.

As a general Rule of Thumb, we recommend using the smallest tip that provides the desired concentration factor for your application.

3 - Packaging Format by Target Application

All products are produced aseptically in a cleanroom environment. Understanding your downstream application will help identify which package format is best suited.

Non-irradiated CPTs -Bulk packaged and suitable for most applications due to the inherent low background. Recommended if target organisms are non-ubiquitous or using selective assays.
Irradiated CPTs - Individually wrapped and irradiated to provide added protection against bioburden. Best for culture-based downstream applications.

Tips are designed for use with the CP Select (sold separately)

We recommend use with the CP sample carousel item #HC08042, and our selection of short-walled sample containers, Sample Cup Flip-Top 200ml item #HC08040-10, Sample Vial Flip-Top 10 mL item # HC08041-10, and Sample Cup with Conical Bottom item #AC08106-10.