APB - ACID PRODUCING BACTERIA

Acid producing bacteria (APB) are formed by a variety of heterotrophic bacteria that share the common ability to produce organic acidic products when growing under reductive conditions. These APB cause the pH to drop significantly from neutral to acidic conditions ranging from terminal pH levels from 3.5 to 5.5. These mildly acidic conditions are sufficiently corrosive to be significant to the integrity of any metallic structure. Because of these acid-producing activities occur in the absence of oxygen, it has been found that the APB are very likely to be significant partners in corrosion associated with the sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) particularly in the oil and gas industry. As a result the management and control of corrosion frequently involves assessing the aggressivity of both the APB as well as the well-recognized SRB.