Transport and Stability of Polymer-Producing Bacteria in Porous Media

Abstract

Abstract Microbial systems have proven to be low-cost, environmentally safe methods for improved oil recovery. In profile modification treatments, plugging of high permeability layers of the reservoir is desirable. Microbes that produce polymers, biomass, and slimes have been shown to reduce the high permeability zones of reservoirs. A key component for improved oil recovery by microbial methods is transport of the microorganisms. Successful placement of the microorganisms into the high permeability zones of the reservoir, without causing plugging in the near-wellbore region, is critical in permeability modification. Also important is the length of time the biopolymer remains stable within the reservoir. Bacterial transport experiments were conducted to characterize the retention properties of several types of bacteria in different types of porous media, including oil reservoir field core (Bakken sandstone), Berea sandstone and ceramic core. Two strains of the polymer-producing bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides were evaluated, as well as other bacteria. Results indicate that microbial retention is higher in field core than in Berea sandstone or ceramic core and that different strains of L. mesenteroides display different transport rates and retentions. Experiments were also performed with and without growth-promoting nutrients to determine how bacterial growth affects transport. The long term stability and effectiveness of biopolymers in porous media were also examined. This paper describes ongoing laboratory investigations to evaluate microbial systems developed for permeability modification. P. 173

Related Papers

• → Interactions of Microbial-Enhanced Oil Recovery Processes(2010)46 cited
• → A Mathematical Model for Microbially Enhanced Oil Recovery Process(1992)20 cited
• Mathematical Model for Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery with Surfactant Distributed between Phases(2009)
• → An experimental investigation on the role of bacterial growth and bacterial transport in MEOR processes(1983)2 cited
• → Quantitation of microbial products and their effectiveness in enhanced oil recovery. Quarterly technical progress report, October 16, 1992--January 16, 1993(1992)