Slowing Production Decline and Extending the Economic Life of an Oil Field: New MEOR Technology

Abstract

Summary This project demonstrated the effectiveness of a microbial permeability profile modification (MPPM) technology for enhancing oil recovery by adding nitrogenous and phosphorus-containing nutrients to the injection water of a conventional waterflooding operation. The MPPM technology extended the economic life of the field by 60 to 137 months, with an expected recovery of 63 600 to 95 400 m3 (400,000 to 600,000 bbl) of additional oil. Chemical changes in the composition of the produced fluids proved the presence of oil from unswept areas of the reservoir. Proof of microbial involvement was shown by increased numbers of microbes in cores of wells drilled within the field 22 months after nutrient injection began.