Bibliometric Analysis of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) of Oil and Gas Engineering Systems

Managing microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is both an economic and technological challenge for the oil and gas industry. There are studies and data generated regarding the corrosion mechanism, microbial species involved, and chemicals that may enhance/inhibit MIC. However, these data are diffuse, sometimes having contradictory conclusions and ignoring one or more key factors that drive MIC. This paper investigates the evolution of MIC knowledge in the past decades by conducting a bibliometric analysis of the literature. The paper also identifies current knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions. Although MIC mechanisms, monitoring, and control have been active areas of research in recent years, linking microbiological activities, the chemical environment (e.g., produced water lines vs. crude lines), and the corrosion mechanisms is still an important knowledge gap. The importance of a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to develop integrated knowledge, MIC mechanistic models, and integration of these factors in effective decision-making is also discussed in this paper.