Method For Optimizing In-Situ Bioconversion of Carbon-Bearing Formations

Abstract

Processes relating to the production of methane, carbon dioxide, gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons, and other valuable products from subterranean carbon bearing formations, in-situ, are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, such production utilizes indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia that are capable of converting a carbon bearing material such as shale or coal to desired products. In a particularly preferred embodiment there is provided a process for bioconverting a carbon-bearing subterranean formation, wherein the process comprises injecting fluid into a carbon bearing deposit with at least one injection well and removing injected fluid and product from the deposit through at least one production well, and controlling fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit by use of the injected fluid, the pressure being controlled such that the fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit exceeds the fluid pressure that normally exists in that portion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.