Process for stimulating production of methane from petroleum in subterranean formations
US9068107B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/32
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for stimulating microbial methane production in a petroleum-bearing subterranean formation, comprising: (a) analyzing one or more components of the formation to determine characteristics of the formation environment; (b) detecting the presence of a microbial consortium, comprising at least one methanogenic microorganism, within the formation; (c) assessing whether the formation microorganisms are currently active; (d) determining whether the microbial consortium comprises one or more methanotrophic microorganism; (e) characterization of one or more microorganisms of the consortium, at least one of the members of the consortium being a methanogenic microorganism, and comparing the members of the consortium with at least one known microorganism having one or more known physiological and ecological characteristics; (f) characterization of one or more methanotrophic microorganisms of the consortium (if present), and comparing the members of the consortium with at least one known microorganism having one or more known physiological and ecological characteristics; (g) using information obtained from steps (a) through (e) for determining an ecological environment that promotes i…
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