University, Oil Company Partner on Infrastructure Corrosion

University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman and the oil company ConocoPhillips will establish a new program to conduct research on biocorrosion affecting petroleum pipelines, storage facilities, tankers, and refineries. The new Biocorrosion Center will be part of OU’s Institute for Energy and Environment.

Researchers in the program will explore scientific issues to better understand and develop technology for the diagnosis, mitigation, and prevention of biocorrosion problems and fuel biodeterioration. One of the leading causes of hazardous material discharges to the environment is the corrosive failure of energy equipment, which is the same infrastructure relied upon for transporting next generation fuels. Newer fuel blends tend to be more susceptible to microbial decay compromising performance, including the biodeterioration of fuel quality and biocorrosion in downstream facilities.

ConocoPhillips will provide start-up funding for the program, but other oil companies and related enterprises will be invited to provide financial support.

Photo: Arthur Chapman/Flickr