Title: Microbial technology applications in wellbore stimulation and oil recovery enhancement: a review

Authors: Y. Al-Wahaibi, A. Al-Bemani, S. Al-Bahry, H. Al-Sulaimani, M. Al-Mandhari, B. Ghosh

Addresses: Petroleum & Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khod 123, Oman. ' Petroleum & Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khod 123, Oman. ' Biology Department, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khod 123, Oman. ' Petroleum & Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khod 123, Oman. ' Petroleum Development Oman, P.O. Box 81, Postal Code 113, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. ' Petroleum & Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khod 123, Oman

Abstract: The different microbial technologies to enhance oil recovery have not yet been proven for two main reasons. Firstly, most microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) field trials lack structured research methodology. Secondly, it is difficult to interpret MEOR tests. In order to correlate qualitatively the effects on oil recovery with the nutrient injections, other variables should be kept constant for a long time which is hard. Correlating these quantitatively is far more difficult. Another challenge is to decide accurately on the mechanisms through which microbes are affecting the oil recovery. To achieve this, additional wells have to be drilled, brine and oil chemical analysis have to be performed and DNA analysis have to be conducted. So far, it is believed that field trials intended to increase volumetric efficiency have yielded mixed results, whereas those designed to reduce permeability through biomass production of microbes are simpler and have a higher chance of success. [Received: December 3, 2008; Accepted: April 10, 2009]

Keywords: microorganisms; bioproducts; microbial enhanced oil recovery; microbial water shutoff; wellbore stimulation; nutrient injections; microbes; volumetric efficiency; permeability; biomass.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2009.030677

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2009 Vol.2 No.4, pp.315 - 330

Published online: 30 Dec 2009 *

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