The new facility is aimed at addressing the energy sector’s need to expedite the analysis of problematic microbes in determining their impact on biofouling and corrosion.

Additionally, the Belgian chemical group said, the lab is designed to foster innovation, nurture business growth and promote greater collaboration with customers in the North Sea and beyond. 

Microbial contamination in underwater pipelines, topside equipment and oil reservoirs can cause the unintentional deterioration of metal and generation of toxic gases, impacting every component at every stage in the life of oil and gas fields, Solvay said.

Primarily, the UK lab will largely support customers for the chemical producer’s Tolcide-branded line of biocides, which provides microbial control in applications for pipelines, drilling muds, completion fluids, well remediation, fracturing, water-floods, and industrial water treatment.

“As it is not easy to transport samples containing microorganisms overseas for testing, having a lab in the region will provide customers with the confidence that we can get the analysis done quickly,” said Renato De Paula, business development manager and lead technical advisor for biocides.

In the new lab, DePaula said Solvay will focus on providing immediate answers to the technical questions of its local customers in the North Sea.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist