Method for optimizing in-situ bioconversion of carbon-bearing formations
US9255472B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E50/30
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for bioconverting a subterranean carbon-bearing subterranean formation deposit include the steps of injecting a fluid into the carbon bearing deposit with at least one injection well and removing injected fluid and product from the deposit through at least one production well, controlling fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit by use of the injected fluid such that the pressure causes a net effective stress decrease for the portion of the deposit and an increase in permeability of the deposit, bioconverting at least a portion of carbonaceous materials in the carbon bearing deposit to methane by a microbial consortium, and withdrawing the injected fluid and methane from the carbon bearing deposit. Cetane or butane may also be produced by the microbial consortium.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.