Analytics
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Some microorganisms can cause massive damage through their aggressive metabolic products. Among other things, they can cause microbial-induced corrosion (MIC) and have a negative impact on the gas quality of storage gases (natural gas, biogas, hydrogen). In our laboratory, we investigate whether there is a microbiological problem and, if so, which processes are responsible for the problem.
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Physical-chemical analysis
such as the determination of pH value, conductivity and redox potential -
Gas chromatography (GC) for quantification of gases such as
e.g. H2S, CH4 or H2 -
Quantitative substance analysis (HPLC) for identifying organic acids such as acetate, formate and butyrate
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Semi-quantitative substance analysis certain ions such as iron, carbonate or sulfate
Anaerobic systems, in which metabolites are analyzed
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Natural gas storage
Natural gas storage facilities, especially pore storage facilities, provide a natural habitat for a variety of anaerobic microorganisms. They can occur both underground and in the gas storage infrastructure. In the storage facility itself, they are usually unproblematic and can even improve natural gas quality (see biomethanation). In the complex infrastructure of a natural gas storage facility, however, microorganisms can sometimes cause considerable damage. In particular, biologically induced corrosion and dense growth of organisms (biofilm formation) can have serious long-term consequences.
Hydrogen storage
Hydrogen is not only an attractive energy carrier for us - a large number of microorganisms also use the gas as a valuable energy source. This can lead to massive losses in gas quality and corrosion damage to the plants. Especially when hydrogen is stored underground (cavern storage), hydrogen-consuming microorganisms can easily be introduced.
Hydraulic systems
Microscopic organisms can also colonize oil and water hydraulic systems and cause massive damage here. A large number of the organisms can clog and permanently damage the systems in the form of cell aggregates, so-called biofilms.
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