World-Wide Applications of Microbial Technology for Improving Oil Recovery

Abstract

Abstract Microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) technology has advanced, since 1980, from a laboratory-based evaluation of microbial processes, to field applications internationally. In order to adequately support the decline in oil production in certain areas, research on cost-effective technologies such as microbial enhanced oil recovery processes must be focused on both near-term and long-term applications. Many marginal wells are desperately in need of an inexpensive improved oil recovery technology today that can assist producers in order to prevent their abandonment. Microbial enhanced waterflooding technology has also been shown to be an economically feasible technology in the United States. The 5th International Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery Conference and Related Technology for Solving Environmental Problems was held in September 1995. Various papers were presented from companies and researchers all over the world on field applications using microorganisms. This paper will compile pertinent information and results from those papers to provide an overview of the state of the art of microbial technology with specific emphasis on current field applications.