| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 166246000 | Using microorganisms | 78 |
| 20080202744 | Methods and Compositions for Fracturing Subterranean Formations - Viscoelastic surfactant (VES) gelled aqueous fluids containing water, a VES, an internal breaker, a VES stabilizer, a fluid loss control agent and a viscosity enhancer are useful as treating fluids and particularly as fracturing fluids for subterranean formations. These VES-based fluids have faster and more complete clean-up than polymer-based fracturing fluids. The use of an internal breaker permits ready removal of the unique VES micelle based pseudo-filter cake with several advantages including reducing the typical VES loading and total fluid volume since more VES fluid stays within the fracture, generating a more optimum fracture geometry for enhanced reservoir productivity, and treating reservoirs with permeability above the present VES limit of approximately 400 md to at least 2000 md. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080283242 | APPARATUS, COMPOSITIONS, AND METHODS OF BREAKING FRACTURING FLUIDS - Apparatus and methods of reducing the viscosity of a gelled fluid is provided. In one embodiment, a viscosity reducing microbe is disposed in a capsule and added to the gelled fluid. The gelled fluid may include a thickening agent adapted to increase its viscosity. Upon release from the capsule, the microbe begins to digest the thickening agent in the gelled fluid and/or releases enzymes that that breakdown the thickening agent. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080289816 | BIOGENIC FUEL GAS GENERATION IN GEOLOGIC HYDROCARBON DEPOSITS - A process for introducing microorganisms to carbonaceous material in an anaerobic environment is described. The process includes the step of extracting formation water from a geologic formation, and removing at least a portion of an extractable material from the formation water to make amended formation water. The process may further include introducing the amended formation water to the carbonaceous material. Also, a process for increasing biogenic hydrocarbon production in a geologic formation containing a carbonaceous material is described. The process includes extracting formation water from the formation, removing at least a portion of one or more hydrocarbons from the formation water to make amended formation water, and reintroducing the amended formation water to the geologic formation. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20090025931 | WELLBORE TREATMENT FOR REDUCING WAX DEPOSITS - A method of reducing wax deposition in an oil wellbore tubing are disclosed which comprise providing an aqueous bioslurry comprising at least one microbe capable of degrading paraffin wax at about 20-45° C. and a nutrient medium containing one or more carbon source and a source of O | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090050315 | RING REDUCTION VIA NATURAL ANAEROBIC MICROBIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY FOR TRANSFORMATION OF CRUDE OIL-ASSOCIATED AROMATIC CHEMICALS - The viscosity of the crude oil is reduced through reductive biotransformation of aromatic components of the crude oil by enhancing the biochemical capabilities of the natural anaerobic microbial populations of the well. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090050316 | METHODS FOR IMPROVED HYDROCARBON AND WATER COMPATIBILITY - The present invention relates to methods for improving hydrocarbon and water compatibility. More specifically, the invention relates to methods for enhancing the microbial production of surface-active agents in hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters in order to improve hydrocarbon and water compatibility. Hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters having enhanced levels of surface-active agents can be used to improve hydrocarbon recovery from subterranean formations or for remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090050317 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING HYDROCARBON-WATER COMPATIBILITY IN A SUBSURFACE HYDROCARBON-CONTAMINATED SITE - The present invention relates to methods for improving hydrocarbon-water compatibility. More specifically, the invention relates to methods for enhancing the production of surface-active agents in hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters in order to improve hydrocarbon-water compatibility. Hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters having enhanced levels of surface-active agents can be used to improve remediation of subsurface hydrocarbon-contaminated sites. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090200015 | METHOD AND LIQUID FOR INCREASING THE RECOVERY FACTOR IN OIL RESERVOIRS - This invention deals with a method for increasing the recovery factor in oil reservoirs through the injection of polymerization precursor liquids with low viscosity for the production of biopolymers in situ. The method acts in conjunction in the injection profile correction and advanced oil recovery. The invention also refers to the composition of liquids that are precursors of polymerization with low viscosity and to the use of spores or specific bacterium for said purpose. A polymerization precursor liquid is injected into the reservoir which impregnates the rocky matrix. Afterwards, a continuous injection of a polymerizable liquid with additives of low viscosity is performed. The creation of a biopolymer occurs in situ, adhering itself to the rocky matrix, preferably in the thief zones, blocking said zones. A secondary effect is the liquid thickening that reduces the difference between the viscosity of the water and the viscosity of the oil and acts as a displacement liquid for the oil only in the productive zones. The method according to the present invention is suitable for reclaiming depleted reservoirs with negative pressure, and it is viable under onshore and offshore conditions. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090260803 | IDENTIFICATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND APPLICATION OF SHEWANELLA PUTREFACIENS (LH4:18), USEFUL IN MICROBIALLY ENHANCED OIL RELEASE - The present disclosure relates to isolation, identification and application of | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090308598 | Process to Increase the Area of Microbial Stimulation in Methane Gas Recovery in a Multi Seam Coal Bed/methane Dewatering and Depressurizing Production System Through the Use of Horizontal or Multilateral Wells - A process to increase the area of microbial stimulation in a process of methane gas recovery in a multi seamed coal bed/methane dewatering and depressurizing production system by first utilizing an underbalanced multilateral drilling technique. At this point in the process one could introduce the microorganisms into the horizontal well bore to achieve a greater area of stimulation of the coal bed than would a vertical well. An even more preferred method would to first drill a series of lateral wells off of the horizontally drilled well bore, so as to increase or maximize the area of coal bed which is being covered. At that point, one would take the steps of what is known in the art of introducing a particular type of microorganism, which would then be injected via the plurality of lateral bores into the coal bed formation, to maximize the area of penetration, which would include, most, if not all, of the area of the coal bed through the series of lateral wells. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100044031 | METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF NOVEL ANAEROBIC DENITRIFYING BACTERIA UTILIZING PETROLEUM COMPONENTS AS SOLE CARBON SOURCE - A method for the phylogenetic identification of indigenous anaerobic denitrifying bacterial species in an oil well is described. The method avoids the process of enrichment of microbial samples. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100071893 | Polymers and Nanoparticles Formulations With Shear-Thickening and Shear-Gelling Properties for Oilfield Applications - The invention provides a composition having shear-gelling and shear-thickening properties based on a amphiphilic polymer combined with hydrophilic particles and polyethyleneoxide. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100078162 | IDENTIFICATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND APPLICATION OF THAUERA SP. AL9:8 USEFUL IN MICROBIALLY ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY - The present disclosure relates to isolation, identification and application of | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100101782 | BIOGENIC FUEL GAS GENERATION IN GEOLOGIC HYDROCARBON DEPOSITS - A method for stimulating methane production from a carbonaceous material is described. The methods may include the step of contacting the material with cells of a methanogenic consortium under anaerobic conditions to form a reaction mixture. The method may also include maintaining anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to permit methanogenesis, and collecting methane from anaerobic water or head space of the reaction mixture. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100139913 | Stimulation of biogenic gas generation in deposits of carbonaceous material - The invention relates to treating of subterranean formations to increase the susceptibility (by way of chemical break down or solubilization, but not necessarily limited by these or any other theories) of large carbonaceous molecules therein, such as comprise coal, to bioconversion into methane and other useful hydrocarbon products by indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia, by introducing into the subterranean formations: (a) a solution containing at least one of an oxoacid ester of phosphorus or a thioacid ester of phosphorus; and (b) one or more other chemical compounds/chemical entities selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, carboxylic acids, esters of carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, oxoacids of phosphorus, salts of oxoacids of phosphorus, vitamins, minerals, mineral salts, metals, and yeast extracts. In an additional embodiment the treating of the subterranean formation further comprises introducing into the subterranean formation a microbial consortia (preferably comprised of methanogens). | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100212888 | METHOD OF IMPROVING OIL RECOVERY FROM AN OIL RESERVOIR USING AN ENRICHED ANAEROBIC STEADY STATE MICROBIAL CONSORTIUM - The present disclosure relates to developing an enriched steady state microbial consortium capable of modifying crude oil components of an oil reservoir under anaerobic denitrifying conditions. The steady state consortium may be used to improve oil recovery. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100252255 | Increased microbial production of methane gas from subsurface hydrocarbon containing formations - Methods and compositions are provided for increasing methane gas produced or released from a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation containing methanogenic microorganisms. The methods and compositions provide using an amount of amino acids effective to increase methane gas released from the formation. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100300680 | BIOGENIC FUEL GAS GENERATION IN GEOLOGIC HYDROCARBON DEPOSITS - A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20110061858 | METHOD FOR GROWING AND METABOLIZING MICROBES - The present invention is generally directed to a method for releasing trapped oil in reservoirs. The method hereof includes identifying a reservoir, obtaining a microbial community sample of the reservoir, maintaining the sample under high temperature and high pressure conditions that mimic natural conditions of the reservoir, growing the sample on at least one substrate, determining a targeted treatment regime for the reservoir based on the positive growth of the sample on the substrate, injecting the reservoir with the targeted substrate to release trapped oil in the reservoir, monitoring the reservoir, and extracting the oil from the reservoir. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110067856 | MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY METHODS - The present invention is directed to the field of microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR). In particular, the invention focuses on new, efficient, economical and environmentally safe microbial methods to enhance oil recovery in existing oil reservoirs, as well as microorganisms useful in such methods. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110139439 | BIOGENIC FUEL GAS GENERATION IN GEOLOGIC HYDROCARBON DEPOSITS - Methods to enhance biogenic gas production in an anaerobic geologic formation containing carbonaceous material are described. The methods may include the steps of accessing the anaerobic formation, increasing a rate of production of the biogenic gases in the anaerobic formation, and flowing formation water within the anaerobic formation after the increase in the production of biogenic gases. Also described are methods to redistribute formation water in an anaerobic geologic formation containing carbonaceous material. The methods may include the steps of locating a reservoir of the formation water within the anaerobic formation, forming at least one channel between the reservoir and at least a portion of the carbonaceous material, and transporting the formation water from the reservoir to the carbonaceous material through the channel. Further described are methods of accumulating biogenic gas in an anaerobic geologic formation to enhance biogenic gas production. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110146973 | Biotechnological process for hydrocarbon recovery in low permeability porous media - The present invention refers to a biotechnological process that enhances oil recovery of a 14 to 25 API Gravity oil contained in carbonate-containing and/or clayey sandstone porous rock systems with low permeability (7 to 100 mD), thus focused to petroleum wells associated to zones with low recovery factor. The process utilizes the indigenous extremophile microorganisms activity from the oil reservoir and an IMP culture, as well as its metabolites (gases, acids, solvents and surfactants), which improve oil mobility and are able to develop at 60 to 95° C. temperatures, 7 to 154.6 Kg/cm | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110284215 | BIOGENIC FUEL GAS GENERATION IN GEOLOGIC HYDROCARBON DEPOSITS - A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20120006534 | METHOD FOR PRE-TREATMENT OF SUBTERRANEAN SITES ADJACENT TO WATER INJECTION WELLS - A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes has been disclosed. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006535 | METHOD FOR PRE-TREATMENT OF SUBTERRANEAN SITES ADJACENT TO WATER INJECTION WELLS - A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes has been disclosed. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006536 | METHOD FOR PRE-TREATMENT OF SUBTERRANEAN SITES ADJACENT TO WATER INJECTION WELLS - A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes has been disclosed. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006537 | METHOD FOR PRE-TREATMENT OF SUBTERRANEAN SITES ADJACENT TO WATER INJECTION WELLS - A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes has been disclosed. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006538 | METHOD FOR PRE-TREATMENT OF SUBTERRANEAN SITES ADJACENT TO WATER INJECTION WELLS - A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes has been disclosed. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006539 | METHOD FOR PRE-TREATMENT OF SUBTERRANEAN SITES ADJACENT TO WATER INJECTION WELLS - A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes has been disclosed. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006540 | METHOD FOR PRE-TREATMENT OF SUBTERRANEAN SITES ADJACENT TO WATER INJECTION WELLS - A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes has been disclosed. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006541 | METHOD FOR PRE-TREATMENT OF SUBTERRANEAN SITES ADJACENT TO WATER INJECTION WELLS - A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes has been disclosed. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006542 | METHOD FOR PRE-TREATMENT OF SUBTERRANEAN SITES ADJACENT TO WATER INJECTION WELLS - A method to improve the effectiveness of MEOR or bioremediation processes has been disclosed. In this method toxic chemicals accumulated in subterranean sites adjacent to the water injection wells are either dispersed or removed prior to introduction of microbial inocula for enhanced microbial oil recovery or bioremediation of these sites. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120067566 | Method for the Use of Nitrates and Nitrate Reducing Bacteria In Hydraulic Fracturing - A slick water fracturing fluid including a brine, an inorganic nitrate, a nitrogen reducing bacteria, a scale inhibitor selected from the group consisting of a polyacrylate polymer, a polyacrylate copolymer, a polyacrylate terpolymer, and mixtures thereof, and a friction reducer, wherein the friction reducer is a polyacrylamide. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120138290 | METHODS TO STIMULATE BIOGENIC METHANE PRODUCTION FROM HYDROCARBON-BEARING FORMATIONS - The present invention describes methods of stimulating the biogenic production of methane in hydrocarbon-bearing formations. The present application provides various stimulants which, when contacted with a hydrocarbon deposit in situ or ex situ, induce or enhance coalbed methane production. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120199343 | MULTISTAGE PROCESS FOR PRODUCING MINERAL OIL USING MICROORGANISMS - A process for producing mineral oil from mineral oil deposits by injecting aqueous flooding media into a mineral oil formation through injection boreholes and withdrawing the mineral oil through production boreholes, wherein the process comprises several cycles of process steps in which oil-mobilizing microorganisms and flooding water are injected alternately into the deposit. Processes in which highly permeable regions of the mineral oil formation are additionally blocked. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120205097 | Method of Enhance the Production Capacity of an Oil Well - A method to increase oil production from an oil well comprising a plurality of production zones is presented, wherein the method selects a production zone, isolates that selected production zone, and reconfigures flow lines to allow direct injection of materials under pressure into the selected production zone. The method determines a treatment pressure based upon soil porosity in the selected zone, injects a brine solution into the selected production zone at the selected pressure, and maintains the selected pressure in the selected production zone for at least 72 hours. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120241148 | CONTROL OF FLUID FLOW DURING TREATMENT OF SUBTERRANEAN SITES USING WELL FLUID INJECTION - Disclosed herein is a method to control distribution of injected microorganisms, nutrients or other chemical treatment fluids from a single injection well to multiple production wells. The sweep efficiency is improved preventing premature production of fluids from production wells with short breakthrough times. This is a useful technique for treatment of subterranean target sites for practice of Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery and bioremediation. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120255725 | METHODS FOR OBTAINING CLEAN ENERGY FROM COAL - The present invention provides methods for stimulating or enhancing the conversion of coal to methane. The methods of the current invention subject coal to an oxidation step, for example ozonolysis, thereby converting at least a portion of the coal to partially-oxidized and water-soluble forms of organic matter. Subsequent contact of the oxidized coal components with a suitable inoculum containing a methanogenic microbial community produces methane. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120255726 | IN-SITU MICROBIAL OXYGEN GENERATION AND HYDROCARBON CONVERSION IN A HYDROCARBON CONTAINING FORMATION - A method for in-situ microbial oxygen generation in an underground hydrocarbon containing formation comprises: injecting into the formation an oxygen generating composition comprising thermophilic chlorate reducing micro-organisms, such as bacteria of the genus | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120261117 | Systems and Methods of Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery - A method of microbial enhanced oil recovery from an oil-bearing formation that involves treating the water that is to be injected into the oil-bearing formation to enable microbial activity and adding oxygen to aid microbial activity. The treatment applied to the water is based, at least in part, upon establishing at least one condition in the oil-bearing formation favorable to microbial activity that enhances movement of oil from the oil-bearing formation. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120273189 | PREVENTION OF BIOMASS AGGREGATION AT INJECTION WELLS - Disclosed herein is introduction of different nutrient solution formulations to a subterranean target site to prevent biofilm formation and biomass aggregation at the sand face of an injection well bore during MEOR or bioremediation processes. A first nutrient solution formulation supports growth of introduced microorganisms and a second nutrient solution formulation is used to promote biofilm formation to allow plugging of pores and channels in the subterranean target site, for MEOR or bioremediation. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120292022 | COMPOSITION FOR IMPROVING OIL RECOVERY INCLUDING N-LAUROYL AMINO ACID-BASED COMPOUNDS AND MICROBES - Chemical compounds that are N-lauroyl amino acids or derivatives thereof were found to have oil-releasing activity. Solutions containing these compounds and microorganisms having oil release and/or plugging biofilm formation properties may be introduced into oil reservoirs to improve oil recovery. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120298353 | METHOD FOR GROWING AND METABOLIZING MICROBES - The present invention is generally directed to a method for releasing trapped oil in reservoirs. The method hereof includes identifying a reservoir, obtaining a microbial community sample of the reservoir, maintaining the sample under high temperature and high pressure conditions that mimic natural conditions of the reservoir, growing the sample on at least one substrate, determining a targeted treatment regime for the reservoir based on the positive growth of the sample on the substrate, injecting the reservoir with the targeted substrate to release trapped oil in the reservoir, monitoring the reservoir, and extracting the oil from the reservoir. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120325457 | Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery Delivery Systems and Methods - A method of microbial enhanced oil recovery from a wellbore in an oil-bearing formation that includes injecting water into the oil-bearing formation via a tubing string in the wellbore and introducing oxygen into the oil-bearing formation for consumption by microbes in the oil-bearing formation. The oxygen introduction includes delivering the oxygen into the oil-bearing formation without having the introduced oxygen contact the walls of the tubing string and without having the introduced oxygen contact the injected water within the tubing string while the injected water is in the tubing string. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130020073 | METHODS FOR INCREASING METHANOGENESIS IN SUBSURFACE RESERVOIRS - Methods for increasing the rate of methane production in a subsurface reservoir are provided. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130032333 | METHODS FOR MONITORING BACTERIA USING OPTICOANALYTICAL DEVICES - In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. Specifically, bacteria can be monitored in fluids using opticoanalytical devices. The methods can comprise exposing water to a bactericidal treatment, and after exposing the water to the bactericidal treatment, monitoring live bacteria in the water using an opticoanalyfical device that is in optical communication with the water. Optionally, the water can be introduced into a subterranean formation. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130062053 | Alkaline microbial enhanced oil recovery - The present invention is related to the field of microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR). In particular, the invention concerns new, efficient, economical and environmentally safe microbial methods to enhance oil recovery, as well as microorganisms useful in such methods. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130075085 | USE OF GLUTAMATE FOR MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY - Methods and compositions are provided to enhance oil recovery wherein the indigenous microbial population of an oil reservoir is fed a composition containing glutamate and an electron acceptor. The effect of the glutamate carbon source is to promote bioplugging of a permeable environment by the indigenous microorganisms. Bioplugging in an oil reservoir will improve sweep efficiency thereby leading to enhanced secondary oil recovery. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130092370 | BIOMASS-ENHANCED NATURAL GAS FROM COAL FORMATIONS - The use of coal fields as subsurface bioreactors for producing sustainable methane gas from terrestrial sources of biomass is described. Microbial presence is determined for a target coal formation, and tracers are injected to determine permeability, porosity, volume, and minimum and a maximum material injection rates. At least one injection well and at least one circulation well effective for generating an injection rate between the minimum and maximum injection rates are provided for injecting a solution of biodegradable materials into the coal seam. A chosen quantity of biodegradable materials is allowed to be digested, fermented and converted by microbial action within the coal seam. Methane gas is extracted through producing and injecting wells, although pumping will enhance gas recovery. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130146280 | MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PROCESS FOR HEAVY OIL ACCUMULATIONS - A post cold heavy oil production with sand (“CHOPS”) microbial enhanced oil recovery method comprises selecting a well having at least one wormhole and that has completed primary CHOPS production. When the reservoir does not contain enough of a gas producing indigenous microbe, an injectant is prepared comprising a gas-producing microbe, a nutrient suitable for the microbe, and a fluid base. The injectant is injected through the well and into the at least one wormhole in the reservoir; the well is shut in until pressure in the well reaches the target pressure; and then the well is produced. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130153209 | SHEWANELLA ENRICHMENT FROM OIL RESERVOIR FLUIDS - Methods for enriching microbial populations that are indigenous to oil reservoir fluids to obtain | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130160994 | REDUCING SULFIDE IN PRODUCTION FLUIDS DURING OIL RECOVERY - Methods are provided for treating production fluid in a production well in an oil reservoir to reduce the amount of sulfide in the production fluid. The production fluid is treated with nitrate and/or nitrite ions or inorganic oxidizing agent in an aqueous solution that is added to the well casing. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130180708 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RECOVERY OF HYDROCARBONS - Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to methods and apparatus for recovery of viscous hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs. In one embodiment, a method for recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir is provided. The method includes drilling an injector well to be in communication with a reservoir having one or more production wells in communication with the reservoir, installing casing in the injector well, cementing the casing, perforating the casing, positioning a downhole steam generator in the casing, flowing fuel, oxidant and water to the downhole steam generator to intermittently produce a combustion product and/or a vaporization product in the reservoir, flowing injectants to the reservoir, and producing hydrocarbons through the one or more production wells. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130240204 | BIOGENIC FUEL GAS GENERATION IN GEOLOGIC HYDROCARBON DEPOSITS - A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130264052 | Stimulation of Biogenic Gas Generation in Deposits of Carbonaceous Material - The invention relates to treating of subterranean formations to increase the susceptibility (by way of chemical break down or solubilization, but not necessarily limited by these or any other theories) of large carbonaceous molecules therein, such as comprise coal, to bioconversion into methane and other useful hydrocarbon products by indigenous and/or non-indigenous microbial consortia, by introducing into the subterranean formations: (a) a solution containing at least one of an oxoacid ester of phosphorus or a thioacid ester of phosphorus; and (b) one or more other chemical compounds/chemical entities selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, carboxylic acids, esters of carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, oxoacids of phosphorus, salts of oxoacids of phosphorus, vitamins, minerals, mineral salts, metals, and yeast extracts. In an additional embodiment the treating of the subterranean formation further comprises introducing into the subterranean formation a microbial consortia (preferably comprised of methanogens). | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130319656 | ENZYME BREAKERS AND METHODS FOR FLUID SYSTEMS - This invention relates to slurry compositions and their use in oil field applications. In particular, this invention is directed to slurry compositions comprising non-saccharide polymers (for use as thickeners and/or friction reducers) and enzymatic breakers, as well as methods of using such slurry compositions as fracturing fluids in slickwater fracturing operations in low permeable rock formations. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20140000874 | REDUCING SULFIDE IN OIL RESERVOIR PRODUCTION FLUIDS | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140008058 | METHODS FOR INCREASING METHANOGENESIS IN SUBSURFACE RESERVOIRS - Methods for increasing the increasing the rate of methane production in a subsurface reservoir are provided. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140034297 | DISPERSION OF COMPOUNDS FOR THE STIMULATION OF BIOGENIC GAS GENERATION IN DEPOSITS OF CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL - Methods of dispersing an activation agent, nutrient, or both to a carbonaceous material to stimulate production of a biogenic gas are described. The methods may include accessing a subterranean geologic formation containing the carbonaceous material, and supplying a mixture to the formation. The mixture may include an activation agent or nutrient mixed with a dispersed phase and a continuous phase. The method may also include contacting the carbonaceous material with the mixture, and distributing at least a portion of the activation agent or nutrient over and/or into the carbonaceous material from the dispersed phase. The production of biogenic gases is increased by microorganisms that are stimulated by the distributed activation agent or nutrient to convert a portion of the carbonaceous material into the biogenic gases. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140069635 | EMULSIONS TO ENHANCE MICROBIAL ACTIVITY IN A RESERVOIR - The present application relates to methods of repressurizing petroleum reservoirs by increasing the rate of methane production. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140083679 | METHOD FOR MICROBIAL CONTROL OF INJECTION LIQUID FLOW IN A HYDROCARBON RESERVOIR - Disclosed herein are methods of establishing a microbial plug in a hydrocarbon-containing geological formation which has been flooded with water. Also disclosed herein are methods of maintaining such plugs-and methods of controlling alteration of the position and/or extent of an established plug. Disclosed herein are plugs such as microbial plugs. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140090833 | Methods for Treating Wellbore and Wellbore Operation Fluids - Method comprising providing a portion of a subterranean formation having a first formation bacterial count as a result of the presence of a plurality of bacteria in the formation; providing a wellbore treatment fluid having a first wellbore treatment fluid bacterial count as a result of the presence of a plurality of bacteria in the wellbore treatment fluid; combining the wellbore treatment fluid with a a plurality of bacteriocins; placing the wellbore treatment fluid into a wellbore in the portion of the subterranean formation; reducing the first formation bacterial count to a second formation bacterial count; and reducing the first wellbore treatment fluid bacterial count to a second wellbore treatment fluid bacterial count. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140116682 | MICROBIAL PROCESSES FOR INCREASING FLUID MOBILITY IN A HEAVY OIL RESERVOIR - Methods are provided for increasing overall fluid mobility in a near-wellbore region in an oil sands reservoir, for example in a reservoir having an inter-well region between a first well and a second well of a well pair in which at least a portion of the near-wellbore region is within the inter-well region. The methods may involve inoculating the near-wellbore region with a microorganism, wherein the near-wellbore region comprises a hydrocarbon phase and an aqueous phase, the viscosity of the hydrocarbon phase being greater than the viscosity of the aqueous phase. Conditions may be maintained in the near-wellbore region so that the microorganism metabolizes at least a portion of the hydrocarbon phase so that saturation of the near-wellbore region by the hydrocarbon phase decreases and saturation of the near-wellbore region by the aqueous phase increases. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140151027 | Method For Optimizing In-Situ Bioconversion of Carbon-Bearing Formations - 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. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140182840 | METHOD OF MONITORING THE FLOW OF NATURAL OR INJECTED WATER DURING OIL FIELD RECOVERY PROCESSES USING AN ORGANIC TRACER - A method of monitoring fluid flow in an oil reservoir includes the step of delivering a nutrient package to an oil reservoir. The nutrient package stimulates the growth of resident microbes/organisms which changes the morphology and function of the microbes. A sample is taken from produced fluids from wells in the reservoir and possible connections thereof and analyzed. Based on the analysis, determinations are made regarding the movement of fluids in the reservoir by observing changes in the range, concentration, and cell morphology of the microbes after nutrient stimulation by comparing pre-treatment versus post treatment measurements. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140202684 | IN-SITU ACID STIMULATION OF CARBONATE FORMATIONS WITH ACID-PRODUCING MICROORGANISMS - Methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore of a well, wherein the subterranean formation includes carbonate. The methods can include the following steps of: (1) optionally, fracturing the subterranean formation; (2) optionally, acidizing the subterranean formation with a Bronsted-Lowry acid; (3) treating the subterranean formation with an acid-producing microorganism, a nutrient for the microorganism, and, if needed, a suitable electron acceptor for respiration by the microorganism; (4) optionally, flushing the wellbore with a wash fluid to push the microorganism deeper into the subterranean formation and wash it away from the metal tubulars of the well; (5) preferably, shutting-in the well for a required incubation period for in-situ acid generation by the microorganism; and (6) preferably, after the shut-in, flowing back fluid from the subterranean formation into the wellbore. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140202685 | IN-SITU ACID STIMULATION OF CARBONATE FORMATIONS WITH ACID-PRODUCING MICROORGANISMS - Methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore of a well, wherein the subterranean formation includes carbonate. The methods can include the following steps of: (1) optionally, fracturing the subterranean formation; (2) optionally, acidizing the subterranean formation with a Bronsted-Lowry acid; (3) treating the subterranean formation with an acid-producing microorganism, a nutrient for the microorganism, and, if needed, a suitable electron acceptor for respiration by the microorganism; (4) optionally, flushing the wellbore with a wash fluid to push the microorganism deeper into the subterranean formation and wash it away from the metal tubulars of the well; (5) preferably, shutting-in the well for a required incubation period for in-situ acid generation by the microorganism; and (6) preferably, after the shut-in, flowing back fluid from the subterranean formation into the wellbore. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140299314 | METHOD FOR THE USE OF NITRATES AND NITRATE REDUCING BACTERIA FOR MITIGATING BIOGENIC SULFIDE PRODUCTION - A method of controlling sulfides in a fluid including determining selected conditions of the fluid and selecting a nitrogen reducing bacteria (NRB) based on those conditions. The method further includes injecting an NRB into the fluid and injecting an inorganic nitrate into the fluid. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140352945 | Degrading Wellbore Filtercake with Acid-Producing Microorganisms - A method of degrading a filtercake in an interval of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is provided, wherein the filtercake includes a gelled or solid material that can be dissolved or hydrolyzed with an acidic fluid. The method includes the steps of: (A) introducing a treatment fluid into the interval of the wellbore, the treatment fluid comprising: (i) water; and (ii) an acid-producing anaerobic microorganism; and then (B) shutting in the interval of the wellbore. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140352946 | CONTROLLING BIOAVAILABILITY OF NUTRIENT ADDITIONS IN SUBSURFACE FORMATIONS - Controlling microbial growth and activity during Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery processes is disclosed. Specific control of microbial growth and activity in this process results in prevention of nutrient loss in transit and allows better targeting of microbial activity to the desired subsurface location(s). | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140367087 | METHOD OF MODIFICATION IN OIL RESERVOIRS USING RESIDENT MICROORGANISMS AND NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION THROUGH BIOLOGICAL WETTABILITY ALTERATION - A method for improving oil recovery includes determining a specific nutrient package or formulation for stimulating and altering resident microorganisms to increase wettability of reservoir rock formations in oil reservoirs. Once determined, the specific nutrient package is applied to the oil reservoir to stimulate the resident microorganisms. The stimulating application is followed by a period of nutrient limitation where the physiology and surface characteristics of the resident microorganisms are altered. Once altered, the resident microorganisms interact with the reservoir rock formations to change the adhesion tension of the reservoir rock formation to a more water wet condition so that oil will flow more freely rather than be bound to the rock surface. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140367088 | METHOD OF BIOLOGICAL PERMEABILITY MODIFICATION OF OIL RESERVOIRS USING RESIDENT MICROORGANISMS AND NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION - A method of increasing oil recovery from oil reservoirs includes the step of conducting a series of lab analysis that lead to a specific nutrient formulation followed by or in parallel with a genetic analysis of resident microorganisms in water produced from an oil reservoir to determine if the population of oil interactive microorganisms may be modified to produce a change in oil-water relative permeability of an oil reservoir. The series of analyses are conducted to determine the contents of a specific nutrient formulation package to optimize changes in the resident microorganisms to enhance oil recovery by changing oil-water relative permeability in the oil reservoir. Next the specific nutrient formulation is applied to stimulate some of the resident microorganisms to interact with oil contained in the reservoir rock formations. The stimulation step is followed by limiting the specific nutrient formulation to alter or modify the physiology and surface characteristics of the targeted microorganisms. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140367089 | METHOD OF GRAVITY ASSISTED MICROBIOLOGICALLY ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY BY IMPROVING THE DISTRIBUTION OF NUTRIENTS INTRODUCED INTO OIL PRODUCING ROCK FORMATIONS - A method of improving oil recovery includes the step of selecting an oil containing rock formation having geologic structures and well completions with vertical permeability that allow a structurally high water injection point. Through a series of analyses a nutrient water mixture is determined and injected at the injection point to stimulate resident microorganisms through gravity dispersion of nutrient materials. A period of limitation is allowed to permit changes in the size or hydrophobic properties of the microorganisms. Through interaction with the stimulated resident microorganisms, oil, trapped in a pore space, is freed to accumulate with upward gravity separation for production. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150075776 | OPTIMIZATION OF BIOGENIC METHANE PRODUCTION FROM HYDROCARBON SOURCES - The present invention is directed to a method for enhancing biogenic methanogenesis in carbon-containing materials. The process includes evaluating existing geophysical conditions in a site, identifying optimal geophysical conditions for biogenic methanogenesis, introducing an enhancing fluid into the site configured to alter the existing geophysical conditions, assessing the altered geophysical conditions, comparing the altered geophysical conditions to the optimal geophysical conditions, and repeating the evaluating, introducing, assessing, and comparing steps until the altered geophysical conditions more closely resemble the optimal geophysical conditions. The enhancing fluid contains microorganisms, chemicals, and/or nutrients. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150122486 | MICROBIAL-ENHANCED WELL CEMENTING AND REMEDIATION - Described are a method and composition which use microorganisms for downhole applications, in particular for the maintenance or restoration of the integrity of a cement sheath in a wellbore. The method of cementing a wellbore comprises preparing a cement composition comprising a pumpable slurry of cement, water and a healing agent that comprises one or more microorganisms, delivering the cement composition into the wellbore and allowing the cement composition to set. The method of restoring the integrity of a set cement composition in a wellbore comprises preparing a pumpable slurry that comprises water, a healing agent that comprises one or more microorganisms and optionally cement, pumping the slurry into the wellbore in and around the set cement composition, and allowing the one or more microorganisms to grow and replicate to thereby restore the integrity of the set cement composition. Compositions for carrying out the methods are also described. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150300144 | Method for the Use of Nitrates and Nitrate Reducing Bacteria In Hydraulic Fracturing - A slick water fracturing fluid including a brine, an inorganic nitrate, a nitrogen reducing bacteria, a scale inhibitor selected from the group consisting of a polyacrylate polymer, a polyacrylate copolymer, a polyacrylate terpolymer, and mixtures thereof, and a friction reducer, wherein the friction reducer is a polyacrylamide. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150322331 | ALTERING THE INTERFACE OF HYDROCARBON-COATED SURFACES - Methods and compositions are provided wherein microorganisms are used to alter the interface of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon-coated surfaces to increase oil recovery, for improved bioremediation and/or to benefit pipeline maintenance. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20160145978 | METHOD TO ENHANCE MICROBIAL GAS PRODUCTION FROM UNCONVENTIONAL RESERVOIRS AND KEROGEN DEPOSITS - A biostimulation method comprising injecting sulfur dioxide into water producing H | 05-26-2016 |
