Abstract: Methods of conducting ureolysis-induced calcium carbonate precipitation with a heat-treated cell preparation, methods for preparing the heat-treated cell preparation, and related materials. The methods of conducting ureolysis-induced calcium carbonate precipitation include precipitating calcium carbonate at a location by introducing urea, calcium, and a heat-treated cell preparation comprising active urease enzyme to the location. The urease enzyme hydrolyzes the urea to ammonium carbonate, and the calcium reacts with the carbonate to form a calcium carbonate precipitate at the location.

Abstract: A Sampler and process for collecting, growing, inoculating and evaluating microbes in-situ. The Sampler may be loaded with an active or inert media to assist with the collection of microbes. It is closed and lowered to a desired depth. Sampler is opened to initiate sampling. Materials are added to the sampler to stimulate growth or change the environment. To collect and grow in situ microbes, the sampler is left open for a period of time, a trigger closes and seals the sampler capturing contents specific to that location. The sampler is lifted preserving the in-situ conditions from the collection location. The contents of the sampler can be interrogated through sealed ports at the field site or at a remote location. The sampler can also be utilized as a biologic reactor allowing researchers to connect laboratory equipment to analyze, modify, or cultivate the collected sample.

Abstract: A Sampler and process for collecting, growing, inoculating and evaluating microbes in-situ. The Sampler may be loaded with an active or inert media to assist with the collection of microbes. It is closed and lowered to a desired depth. Sampler is opened to initiate sampling. Materials are added to the sampler to stimulate growth or change the environment. To collect and grow in situ microbes, the sampler is left open for a period of time, a trigger closes and seals the sampler capturing contents specific to that location. The sampler is lifted preserving the in-situ conditions from the collection location. The contents of the sampler can be interrogated through sealed ports at the field site or at a remote location. The sampler can also be utilized as a biologic reactor allowing researchers to connect laboratory equipment to analyze, modify, or cultivate the collected sample.

Abstract: The invention is a method of increasing hydrocarbon recovery through the biomineralization sealing of fractured geological formations followed by refracturing, including preparing a composition with biochemical components that is delivered into a geological subsurface through a cased well bore. Nutrient solutions are delivered into the geological subsurface through the well bore, thereby metabolizing the nutrient solutions with the biochemical components to create a mineralizing byproduct. Mineralizing solutions are delivered into the geological subsurface, delivering the composition, nutrient solutions and mineralizing solutions to targeted geological formations having existing formation fractures, through casing openings. Mineralizing solutions react with the mineralizing byproduct to produce minerals, which crystallize in the existing formation fractures, sealing and strengthening the existing formation fractures and resulting in sealed fractures.

Abstract: The invention is a method of increasing hydrocarbon recovery through the biomineralization sealing of fractured geological formations followed by refracturing, including preparing a composition with biochemical components that is delivered into a geological subsurface through a cased well bore. Nutrient solutions are delivered into the geological subsurface through the well bore, thereby metabolizing the nutrient solutions with the biochemical components to create a mineralizing byproduct. Mineralizing solutions are delivered into the geological subsurface, delivering the composition, nutrient solutions and mineralizing solutions to targeted geological formations having existing formation fractures, through casing openings. Mineralizing solutions react with the mineralizing byproduct to produce minerals, which crystallize in the existing formation fractures, sealing and strengthening the existing formation fractures and resulting in sealed fractures.