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Experimental studies of in-situ microbial enhanced oil recovery

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6471452

The goal of this research is to study the feasibility of using microorganisms in the enhanced recovery of oil. The use of microorganisms requires the ability to transport viable cells as well as the nutrients necessary for cell growth through reservoir formations. Glucose, peptone-protein, and phosphate and ammonium ions were transported through brine saturated Berea sandstone cores in amounts sufficient to support cell growth. Viable bacterial cells have been transported through sandstone cores of 170-490 md permeabilities. The addition of nutrients to these cores and subsequent cell growth caused permeability reductions of 60-80%. In addition, a microorganism has been obtained which during growth produces a surfactant that lowers the surface tension of 5% NaCl brine to 27 mN/m and the interfacial tension against crude oil to less than 1.0 mN/m. 17 refs.

Research Organization:
Univ of Okla, USA
OSTI ID:
6471452
Report Number(s):
CONF-820419-
Journal Information:
Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Vol. SPE/DOE 10789; ISSN SEAPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English