Development of luminescent bacteria as tracers for geological reservoir characterization

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5296635· OSTI ID:5296635

King, J W

This research project resulted from recognizing the problem of being unable to accurately distinguish communication between wells in producing oil zones which may or may not be continuous. Such a determination is necessary when considering Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) whether it is water flooding, carbon dioxide, or other methods which increase the sweep efficiency. Various kinds of chemical tracers are available, but they are expensive and many might be considered hazardous for underground aquifers. Other biological tracers are available, but have never been developed for oil reservoir conditions. Bioluminescent bacteria seemed an obvious candidate because they thrive in saline waters (usually 3% salt) which have been contaminated by oil spills.

• Research Organization: Hardin-Simmons Univ., Abilene, TX (United States). Fairleigh Dickinson Labs.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC22-90BC14666
• OSTI ID: 5296635
• Report Number(s): DOE/BC/14666-4; ON: DE92000267
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BACTERIA
BIOLUMINESCENCE
RESERVOIR ROCK
TRACER TECHNIQUES
CARBONATE ROCKS
ENHANCED RECOVERY
OIL WELLS
OXYGEN
PROGRESS REPORT
SANDSTONES
SWEEP EFFICIENCY
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELEMENTS
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
LUMINESCENCE
MICROORGANISMS
NONMETALS
RECOVERY
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
WELLS
020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
020300 - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
550700 - Microbiology