Technical Evaluation of Microbial Approach as an Efficient Enhanced Oil Recovery Method

Abstract Sustainability initiatives have been the buzz word over the last few years with energy transition gaining momentum. However, fossil fuel, particularly oil and gas still has major roles to play in meeting global energy and consumer products demand. Hydrocarbon producers have been more vigilant in lowering greenhouse production, with carbon capture, utilization and storage thrusted to the forefront of the industry. This trend pushed greener technology and operational efficiency agenda to complement increase in hydrocarbon recovery. Microbial enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is a tertiary oil recovery technology utilizing micro-organisms to facilitate, increase or extend oil production from reservoirs (Abd Karim et. al 2001). PETRONAS first attempted feasibility study at laboratory scale, followed by well stimulation mode field trial with mix results (Abd Karim et. al 2001, Sabut et. al 2003). This development led to expanded research and development (R&D) project to study feasibility of microbial EOR flooding mode. This paper focuses on microbial based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) evaluation at coreflood scale. Overall, it showed potential with minor technical success, but might require more work to scale up for a field application.