Biological Analysis
Ohio Lumex is proud to offer an advanced biological analysis service specifically designed for the gaseous fuels industry. This service leverages quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) technology to quantify the total bacteria load and key microbial species involved in Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC). This offering is uniquely suited for operators seeking to monitor and mitigate microbial corrosion risks in gaseous fuel pipeline systems.
Our qPCR-based analysis offers precise quantification of total bacteria, Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB), Acid-Producing Bacteria (APB), and Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria (IOB). Total bacteria are quantified by targeting a conserved region of the 16S rRNA gene found in all bacteria, while MIC-related species are quantifies by targeting group-specific metabolic genes responsible for pipeline corrosion. By providing insights into these microbial communities, we help our clients identify potential corrosion threats, manage risks proactively, and optimize maintenance schedules.
Applications
This specialized qPCR analysis is designed to meet the needs of the gaseous fuels industry, including natural gas and biogas sectors. By identifying and quantifying MIC-related bacteria, Ohio Lumex’s service provides valuable insights for managing infrastructure integrity. Companies that specialize in the following areas could especially find performing biological analysis helpful:
- Wastewater Treatment Plants
- Food Waste Digesters (co-digestion)
- Dairy Farms
- Hog and Pig Farms
- Landfills
- Raw Biogas and Product Gas (RNG)
- Truck Offloading
- Process Control
- Interconnection Compliance
Expertise
Our team of microbiologists and scientists at Ohio Lumex developed and rigorously validated our method. A complete genetic analysis of MIC-related bacteria in gaseous fuel systems was required to develop an industry-specific approach for properly quantifying these genetically varied bacteria, even at low concentrations.
Our team’s profound knowledge in microbial genetic analysis and molecular biology provides clients in the gaseous fuels industry with reliable data, allowing for effective monitoring of microbial contamination in pipelines, storage tanks, and processing facilities. By giving insights into these microbial populations, we assist our clients in identifying potential corrosion hazards, proactively managing risks, and optimizing maintenance schedules.
Key Advantages and Benefits
- Accurate bacterial quantification delivers highly sensitive quantification of total bacteria and specific MIC-related species, even at low concentrations
- Early detection of corrosion risks
- Provides critical data on total bacteria populations, as well as SRB, APB, and IOB populations
- Allows for early intervention and reduces the likelihood of costly damage
- Optimized maintenance and risk management enables targeted treatment strategies and minimizes downtime by supporting predictive maintenance approaches
Methodology
- Our qPCR-based analysis provides accurate quantification of the following:
- Total bacteria
- Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB)
- Acid-Producing Bacteria (APB)
- Iron-Oxidizing Bacteria (IOB).
- MIC-related species are measured by focusing on group-specific metabolic genes that cause pipeline corrosion.
- Total bacteria are measured by focusing on a conserved portion of the 16S rRNA gene that is present in all bacteria.
