Abstract: Improvement in the compatibility of hydrocarbon and water is achieved by surface active agents newly synthesized by mixed microbial populations. Methods for enhancing the microbial production of surface-active agents in hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters can be achieved by supplementing the mixed microbial population with one or more carbon sources, most notably propionate. Hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters having enhanced levels of surface-active agents can be used to improve hydrocarbon recovery from subterranean formations or for remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided wherein microorganisms are used to alter the interface of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon-coated surfaces to increase oil recovery, for improved bioremediation and/or pipeline maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving hydrocarbon-water compatibility. More specifically, the invention relates to methods for enhancing the production of surface-active agents in hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters in order to improve hydrocarbon-water compatibility. Hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters having enhanced levels of surface-active agents can be used to improve remediation of subsurface hydrocarbon-contaminated sites.

Abstract: A method for the phylogenetic identification of indigenous anaerobic denitrifying bacterial species in an oil well is described. The method avoids the process of enrichment of microbial samples.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.

Abstract: Controlling microbial growth and activity during Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery processes is disclosed. Specific control of microbial growth and activity in this process results in prevention of nutrient loss in transit and allows better targeting of microbial activity to the desired subsurface location(s).

Abstract: Methods of reducing the viscosity of crude oil in an oil well are provided. The methods comprise the introduction of at least on reductant to an injection fluid which is then injected into the well. Aromatic hydrocarbons in the oil are reduced in the presence of reductant and indigenous microbial populations to reduce the viscosity of the oil.

Abstract: A method for the phylogenetic identification of indigenous anaerobic denitrifying bacterial species in an oil well is described. The method avoids the process of enrichment of microbial samples.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolation and identification of unique Pseudomonas stutzeri strains that can grow on crude oil under denitrifying conditions and are useful in oil recovery.

Abstract: The viscosity of the crude oil is reduced through reductive biotransformation of aromatic components of the crude oil by enhancing the biochemical capabilities of the natural anaerobic microbial populations of the well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving hydrocarbon and water compatibility. More specifically, the invention relates to methods for enhancing the microbial production of surface-active agents in hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters in order to improve hydrocarbon and water compatibility. Hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters having enhanced levels of surface-active agents can be used to improve hydrocarbon recovery from subterranean formations or for remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving hydrocarbon-water compatibility. More specifically, the invention relates to methods for enhancing the production of surface-active agents in hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters in order to improve hydrocarbon-water compatibility. Hydrocarbon-exposed surface waters having enhanced levels of surface-active agents can be used to improve remediation of subsurface hydrocarbon-contaminated sites.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein.