Corrosion Behavior of L360N Steel in the Presence of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria under Three Cathodic Potentials

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is a bacterium that can cause microbial corrosion. SRB often leads to corrosion and perforation of oil and gas pipelines. Cathodic polarization is usually used for pipe external corrosion protection, while cathodic polarization may influence the growth and reproduction of SRB on the pipe wall. Based on 14-day electrochemical experiments and morphological characterization of corrosion product, SRB corrosion on L360N under different cathodic polarization potentials was analyzed. Under the action of cathodic protection potential, - 0.85 V-SCE stimulated SRB metabolism and accelerated corrosion due to a large amount of electron supply. At - 0.95 V-SCE and below, the SRB adsorption process was interrupted, which could play a protective role. The conclusions of this study could provide basic guidance for the corrosion prevention of L360N steel with SRB corrosion environment and reduce the economic losses caused by microbial corrosion.

Automated summary

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is responsible for microbial corrosion, which often leads to corrosion and perforation of oil and gas pipelines. Cathodic polarization, commonly used for external corrosion protection, may affect the growth and reproduction of SRB on the pipe wall. This study analyzed the SRB corrosion on L360N steel under different cathodic polarization potentials through 14-day electrochemical experiments and morphological characterization of the corrosion product. The findings suggest that cathodic protection potential of -0.85 V-SCE stimulates SRB metabolism and accelerates corrosion, while potentials of -0.95 V-SCE and below interrupt the SRB adsorption process and provide protective effects.