Process for stimulating microbial activity in a hydrocarbon-bearing, subterranean formation
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United States of America Patent
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Apr 8, 2003
Grant Date -
Nov 29, 2001
app pub date -
Feb 20, 2001
filing date -
Mar 15, 2000
priority date (Note) -
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Abstract
A process is disclosed for stimulating the activity of microbial consortia in a subterranean formation to convert hydrocarbons to methane, which can be produced. Fluid and rock of the formation are analyzed. The presence of microbial consortia is determined and a characterization made (preferably genetic) of at least one microorganism of the consortia, at least one being a methanogenic microorganism. The characterization is compared with at least one known characterization derived from a known microorganism having one or more known physiological and ecological characteristics. This information, together with the information obtained from the analysis of the fluid and rock, is used to determine an ecological environment that promotes in situ microbial degradation of formation hydrocarbons and promotes microbial generation of methane by at least one methanogenic microorganism of the consortia. This information is then used as the basis for modifying the formation environment to produce methane.
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