College
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
Date of Last Revision
2025-04-29 12:39:19
Major
Chemical Engineering
Honors Course
CHEE497-001
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2025
Abstract
The CO2 induced corrosion of carbon steel in oil and gas pipelines, exacerbated by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), poses a serious threat to infrastructure. This study evaluates the effectiveness of rhamnolipid (RhL), a biosurfactant, as a corrosion inhibitor and potential SRB biocide in simulated pipeline environments. Using a Postgate-C Modified Produced Water Simulant, which demonstrated electrochemical behavior comparable to industry-standard solutions while sustaining SRB, corrosion trials were conducted with and without RhL. Mass loss and electrochemical data revealed that RhL significantly reduced corrosion rates—by 85% on average and up to 99% instantaneously in a 4-day trial. Visual and analytical results from a 30-day trial further supported RhL’s protective effect. These findings validate RhL’s potential as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional inhibitors and establish the testing medium as a reliable platform for future SRB studies.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Robert Lillard
First Reader
Dr. Bi-min Newby
Second Reader
Dr. Lu-Kwang Ju
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Nic Leipzig
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Sterling, Rosemary, "Quantifying the Effectiveness of Rhamnolipid as a Biocide: Assessing Comparability of a Modified Solution" (2025). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1990.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1990
Completed approval sign-off page