Microbial enhanced oil recovery methods
AssigneeGeo Fossil Fuels, LLC
InventorWilliam J. Kohr
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Abstract
Efficient, economical and environmentally safe microbial methods to enhance oil recovery in existing oil reservoirs, as well as microorganisms useful in such methods. The microorganisms are capable of growing in an environment of high salinity, and are deficient in their ability to degrade short chain hydrocarbons of about 12 carbons or less.
Claims19
A method comprising the steps of (a) water-flooding an oil reservoir with low salinity fluid having a salt concentration below 5%, fresh water, or a fluid containing a compound toxic to indigenous or contaminating halophilic microorganisms to reduce the concentration of indigenous or contaminating halophilic microorganisms that have the ability to utilize short chain hydrocarbons of about 12 carbons or less, and (b) introducing into said oil reservoir a culture of microorganisms capable of growing at a salinity of at least about 5% salt concentration, in a salt water fluid of at least about 5% salt concentration, which microorganisms are deficient in their ability to degrade short chain hydrocarbons of about 12 carbons or less.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.