Page 171 - Primer on Enhanced Oil Recovery

Microbial enhanced oil recovery 13

(MEOR)

Abstract

One of the most promising enhanced oil recovery methods in development and early field
applications is the use of microorganisms (microbes). In many ways it can be counted as
a method of high adaptability, low capital intensity and relative safety to the environment.

Chapter outline

13.1 Applicability criteria 165
13.2 Implementation technology 167
13.3 Implemented projects 168
Further reading 169

One of the most promising enhanced oil recovery methods in development and
early field applications is the use of microorganisms (microbes). In many ways it
can be counted as a method of high adaptability, low capital intensity and relative
safety to the environment.
There are at least two main approaches in microbiological methods application
for enhanced oil recovery:
Production of metabolic compounds (bio-surfactants, biopolymers) at the ground level
and their injection into the reservoir;
Establishment and support of microorganisms activity directly in the oil reservoir.
The ability of polysaccharides of microbial origin to change the rheological
properties of water, causing the formation of a gel, led to an early increase in inter-
est in these compounds for their use in oil production. The biopolymers are pro-
duced at the ground level and can be done at any suitable location. Microorganisms
propagation and cultivation is done in special tanks, where all the necessary condi-
tions are created for them. Currently, industrial production of a number of microbial
polysaccharides is carried out. Such products as xanthan, sclerglucan, emulsan, riti-
zan, guran, etc. are produced this way and are widely used in polymer EOR.
Microorganisms are also able to produce and secrete surfactants. Microbial sur-
factants are often good emulsifiers. Studies have shown that surfactants of microbial
origin, due to their physicochemical properties, can be an effective means of
enhancing oil recovery.

Primer on Enhanced Oil Recovery. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-817632-0.00012-8
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