Microbial pilot test for the control of paraffin and asphaltenes at Prudhoe Bay
The following paper describes a six month pilot test for the control of paraffin and asphaltene deposition at the reservoir level using naturally occurring microorganisms. For the course of the paper, paraffin will be defined as pentane soluble hydrocarbon precipitates. Likewise, asphaltene will be defined as hydrocarbon deposits which are pentane insoluble and toluene soluble. The microbial project was conducted on four wells in the Eastern Operating Area of the Prudhoe Bay oil field. The microorganisms were selected based upon their ability to metabolize long hydrocarbon chains into lighter components. Data collected from the project reflects the impact on total fluid production and crude oil physical and chemical properties i.e. API gravity, viscosity, and sulfur content. Operation and maintenance costs for the microbial treatments versus alternative methods are shown and proven to be favorable on certain well types. The advantages of growing the microbes on site and increasing the variety and type of microbial functions is presented. The treatment techniques for effective microbial application along with candidate selection are discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 468250
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961003--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Method for the determination of benzene insolubles, asphaltenes, and oils in coal-derived liquids
Removal of asphaltene and paraffin deposits using micellar solutions and fused reactions. Final report, 1995--1997