Process for producing modified microorganisms for oil treatment at high temperatures, pressures and salinity

Patent · Tue Feb 20 00:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:870303

Premuzic, Eugene T ^[1]; Lin, Mow ^[2]

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1. East Moriches, NY
2. Rocky Point, NY

This invention relates to the preparation of new, modified organisms, through challenge growth processes, that are viable in the extreme temperature, pressure and pH conditions and salt concentrations of an oil reservoir and that are suitable for use in microbial enhanced oil recovery. The modified microorganisms of the present invention are used to enhance oil recovery and remove sulfur compounds and metals from the crude oil. The processes are comprised of steps which successively limit the carbon sources and increase the temperature, pressure and salinity of the media. This is done until microbial strains are obtained that are capable of growing in essentially crude oil as a carbon source and at a temperature range from about 70.degree. C. to 90.degree. C., at a pressure range from about 2,000 to 2,500 psi and at a salinity range from about 1.3 to 35%.

• Research Organization: Associated Universities, Inc., Upton, NY (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH00016
• Assignee: Associated Universities, Inc. (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5492828
• Application Number: 08/169,417
• OSTI ID: 870303
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

process
producing
modified
microorganisms
oil
treatment
temperatures
pressures
salinity
relates
preparation
organisms
challenge
growth
processes
viable
extreme
temperature
pressure
ph
conditions
salt
concentrations
reservoir
suitable
microbial
enhanced
recovery
enhance
remove
sulfur
compounds
metals
crude
comprised
steps
successively
limit
carbon
sources
increase
media
strains
obtained
capable
growing
essentially
source
range
70
degree
90
000
500
psi
35
pressure range
growth process
oil recovery
temperature range
carbon source
enhanced oil
sulfur compounds
remove sulfur
crude oil
oil reservoir
modified microorganisms
microbial enhanced
extreme temperature
growth processes
challenge growth
salt concentrations
modified organisms
microbial strains
oil treatment
ph conditions
sulfur compound
/435/