Microbial alteration of subsurface natural gas accumulations

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1984 · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6161851

James, A T; Burns, B J

Bacterial alteration of subsurface reservoired hydrocarbon accumulations extends into the range of the C/sub 1/-C/sub 4/ gaseous hydrocarbons, preferentially attacking the wet gas components in most instances. During the initial stages of bacterial gas alteration, propane seems to be selectively attacked, resulting in anomalous propane carbon isotopic compositions as well as unusual carbon isotopic distributions among the wet gas components. Extensive bacterial alteration appears to be capable of removing all but traces of the wet gas components, resulting in a dry gas that could be confused with overmature dry gas whose wet components have undergone extensive thermal cracking. Recognition of microbial alteration in subsurface reservoired hydrocarbon gas accumulations is important for both correlation purposes and maturity estimates.

• Research Organization: Exxon Production Research Co., Houston, TX
• OSTI ID: 6161851
• Journal Information: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Vol. 68:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS
ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
GEOCHEMISTRY
BACTERIA
MATURATION
PROPANE
ALKANES
BIOCONVERSION
CHEMISTRY
DIGESTION
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HYDROCARBONS
MANAGEMENT
MICROORGANISMS
MINERAL RESOURCES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROCESSING
RESOURCES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
030200* - Natural Gas- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
033000 - Natural Gas- Properties & Composition