Microbial enhancement of oil recovery
The purpose of this article is to present an overview of a supplementary biotechnology that will potentially aid in obtaining greater oil production and processing capabilities. This supplementary technology involves the application of microbiological processes to specific and well-defined problems in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The discussion outlines scenarios for various microbiological processes that have been identified as promising areas for research and development, many of which are currently being addressed within the petroleum industry and by the Department of Energy. Microorganisms and microbial products can be used to recover oil from reservoirs. To be successful, the complexity of oil and the physical constraints in the reservoir must be taken into account. The three general approaches are: stimulation of the endogenous microbial population; injection of microorganisms with proven ability to perform well in situ; and the use of microbial products, such as xanthan gum, produced by Xanthomonas campestris.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Georgia, Athens
- OSTI ID:
- 6133620
- Journal Information:
- Bio/Technology; (United States), Vol. 1:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
OIL WELLS
MICROBIAL EOR
ENHANCED RECOVERY
MICROORGANISMS
PETROLEUM
REVIEWS
SURFACTANTS
WELL STIMULATION
XANTHUM GUM
CARBOHYDRATES
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLYSACCHARIDES
RECOVERY
SACCHARIDES
STIMULATION
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
550700 - Microbiology