Applied molecular diagnostics company LuminUltra (Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada) has announced the launch of its LuminUltra GeneCount qPCR corrosion collection, described as a complete suite of DNA-based monitoring tools to address microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).
The collection is an end-to-end solution that enables industry to easily collect, prepare, and test samples for a range of MIC targets, yielding quantifiable and actionable results. This innovative approach provides customers with a complete and seamless methodology that yields results in as little as two hours, as compared to the weeks required by many traditional testing methods.
“This is a game-changer for addressing MIC-related challenges in industries such as oil and gas,” says Pat Whalen, LuminUltra chair and CEO. “Molecular testing is a critical tool for understanding what’s happening in a system, but it’s been reserved for those with ample resources and in-depth knowledge. We’ve created a simplified workflow to make it easier for customers to do this testing at their own facilities. The products announced today complement our existing portfolio such as second-generation ATP to create a holistic approach to microbial monitoring.”
According to the company, MIC affects diverse industries including oil and gas, marine transportation, chemical processing, manufacturing, power generation, and fuel storage. Each of these industries have critical infrastructure that are regularly exposed to fluids containing water.
When specific microorganisms found in these fluids interact with and form biofilms on the metal surfaces of pipelines, storage tanks, and other equipment, they can greatly accelerate the corrosion of that equipment and lead to catastrophic failure of infrastructure if left unmitigated. The effect of MIC cannot be overstated, as unchecked corrosion leads to massive economic losses.
In response to these concerns, LuminUltra says it has a history of more than 25 years in developing solutions and services to deliver rapid, accurate, and actionable feedback for customers that are impacted by microbial activity.
“We have been at the forefront of advancing microbial monitoring solutions in the oil and gas industry for over a decade,” Whalen says. “Our second-generation ATP technology has been used in the field, handling challenging industrial sample types and providing near real-time feedback to enable on-the-spot actions. During this time, we’ve helped our customers save millions of dollars in reduced chemical costs and extended asset life. We’re very proud of today’s announcement and to be bringing more value to these industries.”
The GeneCount corrosion collection is comprised of:
- GeneCount qKit assays: These are eady-to-use qPCR assay kits for a number of MIC targets including sulfate-reducing prokaryotes, iron-reducing bacteria, total methanogens, corrosive methanogens (micH), sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, and more.
- GeneCount qPCR and auto extraction equipment: These are comprised of qPCR devices ranging in size and scale to meet needs from low to high capacity, along with optional auto extraction equipment for high-throughput labs.
- GeneCount qKit preservation and purification kits: These kits offer everything needed to prepare and purify a range of challenging sample types including injection water, brine, produced water, pigging sludge, metalworking and drilling fluids, and biofilms. These kits also allow for in-field preservation to ensure sample integrity and therefore accurate results.
- GeneCount microbial community analysis services: This zero-barrier entry to molecular testing features a mail-in service, which is available for all sample types and delivers a complete analysis of microorganisms present in a sample. According to the company, this process offers an industry-leading turnaround time via a comprehensive dashboard.
“We are here to be our customers’ partner in microbial management, and we know that little things make a big difference,” Whalen says. “Together, we can better manage the impacts of microbiology which affect us all where we live, work and play.”
Source: LuminUltra, www.luminultra.com/MIC.