Considerations for Field Implementation of Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery

Abstract

Abstract For the last 6 years DuPont with different partners has done extensive fundamental research into the application of Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery technology (MEOR). We have demonstrated two mechanisms that have shown in the lab, more than a 10% increase in the recovery factor. Increased sweep efficiency by plugging of high permeable zones thereby forcing water to produce oil from previously unswept parts of the reservoir. Reduced oil / rock surface tension resulting in lower residual oil saturation. This paper describes the key laboratory tests and preliminary field data used to evaluate these two mechanisms. Our approach has been to inoculate the reservoir with a microbe that under the optimal nutrient conditions will expressed the needed function -- bioplugging or reduced oil saturation. The microbe and the nutrients are tailored to the conditions of each reservoir thus giving MEOR the greatest chance for success. This paper presents challenges that were raised as a result of extensive lab work that are relevant to the implementation of MEOR on a field level. Our ongoing research has provided many insights into the appropriate application of microbial EOR. The unique aspects of each production area, the nature of the oil, the water, the formation matrix, and the background microbial population and their complex interactions must all be assessed when considering the potential application of microbial EOR. The amount of work described for assessing potential MEOR mechanisms is extensive. However, this process has been streamlined and we have been able to assess new target reservoirs for potential MEOR treatments in about 6 months. We believe that Microbially Enhanced Oil Recovery has the potential to improve the recovery of oil with the potential for very low capital investment and a much smaller environmental footprint compared to other EOR techniques.