Application of a Microbial Selective-Plugging Process at the North Burbank Unit: Prepilot Tests

Summary Microbial enhanced-oil-recovery (MEOR) nutrients were injected in an injection well at North Burbank unit (NBU) in Oklahoma to plug off high-permeability layers through the growth of indigenous microorganisms and to divert injection fluid to lower-permeability, higher-oil-saturation zones. Several different types of treatments were performed using both sequential and co-injection of nutrients. Pressure falloff/injection tests and vertical injection profiles were conducted before and after nutrient injection. The results of pressure injection tests following co-injection of nutrients and an incubation period indicated a 33% drop in the effective permeability to the injection fluid and a negative skin factor, while injection profile surveys showed a 33% reduction in the zone taking water. Swabbed samples from the injector following shut in revealed abundant bacterial concentrations and products as well as oil and inorganic solids. Although significant in-depth permeability reduction was observed following nutrient co-injection tests, the unstable behavior of the plug suggested that insufficient biomass was being formed to effectively seal off the higher-permeability zones.