Sustainable crude oil recovery: Advancing technology in microbial souring control and microbial enhanced oil recovery

自然存在于油层中的微生物可能对石油和天然气工业的运营起到消极或积极的作用。不利的一面是，将硫酸盐转化为硫化物的硫酸盐还原微生物会导致储层酸化、管道腐蚀和有害的健康影响。从积极的一面来看，与油藏相关的微生物的代谢活动可能有助于可持续的、提高石油采收率。根据以前的研究结果，拟议的项目将侧重于推进(1)酸化控制和(2)微生物采油技术，重点是在高温和有原油存在的情况下进行研究。在酸化控制方面，将确定微生物活动对高温或低温下储层酸化的贡献。将研究新的硝酸盐和杀菌剂组合，以缓解酸败，重点放在高温领域。在微生物采油领域，将探索各种微生物活动，通过使用市场上可获得的廉价底物或可生物降解的石油成分来促进微生物的生长和活性，从而提高高温和低温下的石油产量。我们还将测试现有方法的有效性，例如使用碳氢化合物或溶剂，以提高选定油田的石油产量。拟议项目的成果将有助于(1)减轻硫化物引起的管道腐蚀、酸化和硫化物对健康的有害影响；(2)延长常规石油生产的生产寿命；(3)在对环境影响最小的情况下，改善生产水回收和高效石油生产。这些活动将为我们的行业合作伙伴(Enerplus、Yara和GE公司旗下的Baker Hughes)带来以下好处：(1)更好地了解导致酸化和MEOR的潜在因素，以及(2)开发以可持续的方式防止酸化和回收化石能源的强化技术。此外，承担该项目的受训人员将有助于负责任地开发加拿大的化石燃料资源。总体而言，该项目对能源行业、加拿大经济和要求安全可靠能源的普通公众都有很高的好处。

Microorganisms that naturally inhabit oil reservoirs can contribute negatively or positively to oil and gas industry operations. On the negative side, sulfate-reducing microorganisms that convert sulfate to sulfide contribute to reservoir souring, pipeline corrosion, and detrimental health impacts. On the positive side, the metabolic activities of reservoir-associated microorganisms may contribute to sustainable, enhanced oil recovery. Building on previous findings, the proposed project will focus on advancing (1) the control of souring and (2) MEOR technology with an emphasis on conducting research at high temperature and in the presence of crude oil. In the area of souring control, the contributions of microbial activities to reservoir souring at high or low temperature will be determined. New nitrate and biocide combinations will be examined to alleviate souring, focusing on high temperature fields. In the area of MEOR, various microbial activities will be explored to enhance oil production at high and low temperatures by using commercially-available and inexpensive substrates or biodegradable oil components to promote microbial growth and activity. We will also test the efficacy of existing methods, such as the use of hydrocarbon or solvent application, to enhance oil production at selected oil fields. The outcome of the proposed project will help (1) to mitigate sulfide-induced pipeline corrosion, souring, and detrimental health impacts of sulfide; (2) to extend the production life of conventional oil production; and (3) to improve production water recycling and efficient oil production with minimal environmental impact. These activities will be of high benefit to our industry partners (Enerplus, Yara, and Baker Hughes, a GE Company) by (1) providing a better understanding of the underlying factors driving souring and MEOR, and (2) developing enhanced technologies for preventing souring and recovering fossil energy in a sustainable manner. Further, trainees undertaking this project will contribute to the responsible development of Canada's fossil fuel resources. Overall, the project is of high benefit to the energy industry, the Canadian economy, and the general public who demand safe and reliable energy sources.