Enhancing Oil Recovery Through Microbes (Simulation petrel , eclipse , CMG , Intersect)

In this project, I'd like to explore the concept of microbial-enhanced oil recovery. To significantly boost the oil production, the proposed process involves:

- Using bacteria to breakdown oil

- Injecting nutrients to stimulate microbial growth

- Applying surfactants to reduce oil viscosity

I am particularly interested in leveraging ordinary drilling techniques. As the chosen reservoir has a presence of natural fractures, it is crucial for the freelancer to have a deep understanding of drilling in such conditions.

Ideal Skills:

- Detailed understanding of microbial enhanced oil recovery

- Experience in ordinary drilling methods

- Expertise in working with fractured reservoirs

By having such skills, you will help in successfully enhancing oil recovery. I am looking forward to collaborating with those who can deliver this task as per the requirements.

the definition :

Microbial enhanced oil extraction: It is a method or technology of enhanced oil extraction techniques that depends on the use of microbes and biological processes to enhance oil extraction from oil wells and reservoirs, where microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and others are used to improve the characteristics of the reservoir and extend the life of the oil well.

Its history: The idea of this process had been proposed since the 1920s, but it developed and the focus was on this process when the oil crisis occurred in 1970. Much research was conducted in more than 15 different countries. From 1970 until 2000, basic research focused on studying the microbial environment and diagnosing oil reservoirs according to their characteristics. These microbial organisms. In 1995, a study was conducted of MEOR projects (more than 400 wells) in America. This study showed that 81% of these projects successfully enhanced oil flow, and there is not a single field in which there was a decrease in production. Today, MEOR technology is receiving great attention due to its low cost. As well as the lack of requirements for capital expenditures

Working mechanism :

MEOR's method of operation depends on multiple interactions carried out by microbiological organisms in the oil reservoir to improve the production of residual oil. These interactions include the following:

1- The secretion of biological materials, which reduces the interfacial tension (IFT) between water and oil, allowing the tunnel to flow more easily through the reservoir.

2- polymers & biopolymers: These polymers produce biomaterials that increase the viscosity of the injection fluid, improving the efficiency of these fluids sweeping the reservoir layer.

3- Organic acids: These microbes produce organic acids such as acetic acid and formic acid. These acids interact with the minerals present in the reservoir rocks, leading to the fragmentation of the rocks and the creation of new flow channels.

There are many other reactions that help, such as the production of gases and the secretion of enzymes, which have an effective and significant role in improving the reservoir properties and enhancing production.

Injection method: Microbes are injected into the well by adding these beneficial organisms and treated biological materials to the fluids or injection fluids used, and they are pumped into the well using special pumps. These materials can be injected either through the production well or through a well designated for injection, and then these organisms are left. To grow and secrete materials and compounds that enhance and improve production

Positives :

1- Injected microbes or biomaterials can be produced using inexpensive and easily obtained raw products or even waste materials

2- It is considered an attractive economic alternative for use in oil fields before they are abandoned

3- No major change is required in field facilities or infrastructure to implement this process, which makes it cheaper and easier to implement

4- The longer the microbial materials remain in the reservoir, the more the benefits of microbial activity multiply, while the exact opposite is true for other enhanced extraction methods, and there are several other positives that we did not discuss.

Negatives :

1- This process is complex and varies from one field to another, as the effectiveness of this process depends on the specific conditions of the oil field. Therefore, this process requires continuous monitoring and in-depth study to determine the variables and conditions of the reservoir.

2- The process takes a long time compared to other enhanced recovery methods, as the growth and activity of microorganisms in the field takes weeks or months, so this method is used before abandoning the well to achieve the maximum benefit from the well.

This process is new in the field of oil and gas, so it lacks studies and research, but it is a huge step in the field of oil if it is exploited and extensive studies are conducted to identify and address the negatives and work with it as a main method of oil extraction.

Finally, in Iraq, traditional extraction techniques are often relied upon, which require effort and high costs, such as water and gas injection. Also, enhanced extraction techniques are rarely used (due to their high cost), as the well is abandoned while it contains economical quantities of oil, which are not small, so this process is introduced. Or the new technology (MEOR) to Iraq and studying, developing and working with it is an urgent necessity due to its economic cost, as well as saving water resources when used in traditional methods, which require injecting water in large quantities, as the use of MEOR will reduce dependence on fresh water or salt water for injection.

Simulation Engineering Drilling Engineering

Project ID: #37567621

About the project