Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use in simultaneously enhancing oil recovery from an oil well while efficiently removing contaminating compositions such as biofilm, scale, paraffin, and/or asphaltenes from oil production equipment and oil-bearing formations. The subject invention can also be used to disperse paraffin and asphaltene precipitates, and to reduce the viscosity of heavy crude oil. The subject invention further provides materials and methods for bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites.

Abstract: A device and method for collecting sample fluids from an underground source which includes sample wells terminating in a corrugated conduit and sieve. The sampling regions for each sample well is separated by a grout or expanding seal barrier. Negative pressure is optionally applied to extract fluids from the underground matrix for sampling. The device can also be used for remediating an environmental contaminant from soil or aquifers. Upon identification of at least one environmental contaminant, a remediation composition is injected into the soil or aquifer using the sampling wells of the device. The remediation fluids can be directed to specific locations by selectively utilizing one or more sampling wells to inject the remediation fluid.

Abstract: A method of enhanced biogenic methane production and recovery of biogenic gas without removal of formation water is disclosed through introduction of carbohydrates causing biostimulation of methanogenic microorganisms allowing recovery of methane without removal of formation waters.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to methods for post-primary oil recovery that utilize multiple mechanisms of action, wherein biochemical-producing microbes are injected into an oil well in a certain predetermined order, based on, for example, the metabolites and by-products they are capable of producing. Preferably, gas-, acid- and/or solvent-producing microbe such as a Clostridium bacterium, is injected into the well first, followed by a biosurfactant and/or biopolymer-producing microbe, such as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and/or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An aggregate MRC well includes a plurality of maximum reservoir contact (MRC) wells, a plurality of independently operated flow control or completion units installed in each of the plurality of MRC wells, a plurality of pressure regimes corresponding to the plurality of MRC wells, and a single production string connecting each of the plurality of MRC wells. The method includes providing a plurality of maximum reservoir contact (MRC) wells forming an aggregate MRC well, providing a plurality of independently operated flow control valves in each of the plurality of MRC wells, providing a plurality of pressure regimes corresponding to the plurality of MRC wells, and providing a single production string connecting each of the plurality of MRC wells.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a three-part method for increasing the amount of oil recovered from an oil well, the method comprising (1) paraffin removal; (2) gas release; and (3) plugging. The combination of parts provides for enhanced oil recovery over an extended period of time, for example two weeks or longer. In preferred embodiments, the subject invention utilizes microorganisms and/or their growth by-products, as well as other environmentally-friendly compounds, to enhance oil recovery by removing paraffin deposits from a well and providing controlled production of carbon dioxide in the well.

Abstract: A method of enhancing carbonate precipitation in a downhole environment comprises introducing into the downhole environment a treatment composition comprising: a carbonate producing agent comprising a microbe, an enzyme, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, and a substrate comprising N-oxyurea, semicarbazide, N,N-dioxyurea, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. An organic feedstock and a geobacter can also be used to treating a wellbore or a subterranean formation. Encapsulated carbonate producing agent such as encapsulated bacterial spores are used to form self-healing cemented structure in a downhole environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using gellable gravel packing fluids that may comprise polysaccharide gelling agents and gel stabilizers to extend the working temperature range for the polysaccharide gelling agents. A method for placing a gravel pack in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a gravel packing fluid in the form of a linear gel and comprising an aqueous base fluid, a polysaccharide gelling agent, a thermal stabilizer, and a gravel; placing the gravel packing fluid into the subterranean formation; and allowing the gravel packing fluid to form a gravel pack in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for quantifying contributions of gas mixtures in a reservoir compartment by way of isotopic analyses. Differing thermal maturities of the different gas mixtures allow estimation of the relative quantity of each gas mixture present in a total gas mixture. Thermal maturities may be estimated by reference to isotopic analyses of each contributing gas mixture and a commingled gas mixture resulting from commingling each of the individual source gas mixtures. This method may be carried out at various depths to determine relative contributions of each gas mixture to the total gas mixture as a function of wellbore depth. Advantages of certain embodiments include, but are not limited to, higher accuracies and ease of application as compared to conventional methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling landfill gas from a landfill flowing through a pipe. The apparatus may comprise: an enclosure configured to receive a section of the pipe; a gas sampling port in the section of the pipe; at least one sensor device disposed in a region of the enclosure, the at least one sensor being coupled to the section of the pipe through the gas sampling port; and thermal insulation positioned to retain heat from the section of the pipe in the region of the enclosure. A method of operating a landfill gas recovery system. The method may comprise: flowing gas from a well riser pipe through a sampling subsystem to a collection system; and heating a portion of the sampling subsystem with the gas flowing from the well riser pipe to the collection system.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprises: introducing into the subterranean formation a treatment fluid comprising a carbonate producing agent, urea, and a cation source; allowing a carbonate precipitate to form, the carbonate precipitate comprising a cation from the cation source and having a water solubility of less than about 0.1 g/100 mL at 25° C. and atmospheric pressure; and reducing or substantially preventing the passage of formation particles from the subterranean formation into the wellbore while allowing passage of formation fluids from the subterranean formation into the wellbore.

Abstract: An ignition device for an underground coal gasification process, and an underground coal gasification method for carrying out ignition. The ignition device comprises a conveying device, a cut-off device (7), an ignition detonator (6) and one or more fuel packs (5), sequentially connected. The fuel packs are serially connected with each other. The conveying device is a coiled tubing/conjugation tube (12), or an integrated signal cable (21). The ignition detonator runs through one or more fuel packs and ignites the one or more fuel packs starting from the top of the device in a delayed manner. The cut-off device breaks off after the ignition detonator is started, so that ignition device components comprising the conveying device are at least withdrawn to a safe position. Each fuel pack comprises thermite and is used for igniting an underground coal seam (1) after the fuel pack is ignited.

Abstract: Devices and techniques related to landfill gas extraction are disclosed. A technique for controlling extraction of landfill gas from a landfill through a gas extraction system is described. The method may include measuring a plurality of values indicating conditions associated with the landfill; computing, based at least in part on the plurality of values and on a model of the landfill, a predicted future state of the landfill; determining, based at least in part on the predicted future state of the landfill, one or more control parameters for one or more respective control devices configured to control operation of the gas extraction system; applying the one or more control parameters to the one or more respective control, and with the one or more control devices, controlling extraction of the landfill gas from the landfill based, at least in part, on the one or more respective control parameters.

Abstract: A method may comprise introducing a first traceable solid particulate into a first formation zone of one or more subterranean formations, wherein the first traceable solid particulate may comprise a first soluble tracer coated onto a first solid particulate. The method may also comprise introducing a second traceable solid particulate into a second formation zone of the one or more subterranean formations, wherein the second traceable solid particulate may comprise a second soluble tracer coated onto a second solid particulate, wherein the second tracer and the first tracer may have a different chemical identity. The method may further comprise recovering produced fluid from the one or more subterranean formations and monitoring concentrations of at least the first soluble tracer and the second soluble tracer in the produced fluid.

Abstract: A method and a system for recovering oil from currently inaccessible oil containing geological units by activating the deep biosphere microbial seed bank. Nutrient and thermal enhancement of microorganisms in oil containing geological units allows for stimulation of inactive and/or dormant microorganisms such that they proliferate and produce gas. The oil viscosity that is decreased by heat, along with the gas pressure produced by activated microbes which allows previously inaccessible oil to flow toward production wells.

Abstract: There are provided methods, systems and processes for the utilization of microbial and related genetic information for use in the exploration, determination, production and recovery of natural resources, including energy sources, and the monitoring, control and analysis of processes and activities.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a food and water thickener and a method for preparing the food and water thickener. The food thickener may comprise pretreated mineral water, xanthan, food preservative, and a chelating agent. The invention can be suitable for providing nutrition to patients with dysphagia.

Abstract: A composition for use in remediation of soil and groundwater containing hydrocarbons and halogenated compounds. The remediation composition includes: (a) a first bioremediation material including a first blend of organisms capable of degrading the hydrocarbons; (b) a second bioremediation material including a second blend of organisms differing from the first blend of organisms that is chosen for degrading the halogenated compounds; (c) an organic compound such as a complex carbohydrate (e.g., food grade starch); and (d) a third blend of organisms capable of degrading the organic compound. The degrading of the organic compound by the third blend of organisms breaks the complex carbohydrate into smaller molecules that are utilized by the microorganisms of at least one of the first and second bioremediation materials during the degrading of the hydrocarbons and the halogenated compounds.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the biological conversion of pretreated or solubilized coal or waste coal into biofuels. Coal (10) may be pretreated perhaps in a pretreatment reactor (13). Pretreated coal or even solubilized coal may be introduced into a processing reactor such as a bioreactor (16) containing a plurality of microorganisms (9) such as oleaginous microorganisms which can convert at least some of the pretreated or solubilized coal into lipids (19) or biomass (18), which then may be used directly or as a precursor for various products such as biofuels, feedstock, or the like.

Abstract: A method for recycling or processing asphalt waste held in a vessel that extracts oil from the waste and cleans the remaining solids includes the steps of adding a reaction solvent into the vessel and into contact with the asphalt waste, adding a bioremediation product into the vessel, adding a quantity of water into the vessel sufficient to effectively stop activity of the bioremediation product, and then removing any oil present in the water from the water. The resulting free oil collected from the process is similar to No. 4 fuel oil.

Abstract: A method for the economic assessment of residual oil zones (“ROZ”), support for the engineering of the design of CO2 enhanced oil recovery (“EOR”) systems associated with production of petroleum from ROZ, support of EOR operations, and subsequent management and monitoring of CO2 sequestered in ROZ is disclosed. This efficient identification and assessment of ROZs significantly increases the geographic footprint and target locations into which CO2 can be injected and ultimately utilized and permanently sequestered in a commercial fashion generating value to partially offset the parasitic costs associated with the capture of anthropogenic CO2. Microbial self limitation (MSL) conditions of an ROZ are exploited for the assessment and management purposes of the ROZ.

Abstract: A method of increasing oil recovery form a carbonate oil reservoir by determining the presence of microorganisms, determining a specific nutrient package to stimulate the microorganisms, delivering the nutrient package to the carbonate oil reservoir, and allowing the stimulated microorganisms to change the adhesion tension between the carbonate oil rock formation and the oil and the water.

Abstract: A control system for controlling extraction of landfill gas, the system comprising: at least one atmospheric pressure sensor configured to measure atmospheric pressure; at least one flow control mechanism disposed in well piping and configured to control flow of the landfill gas through the well piping; and at least one processor configured to perform: obtaining a first atmospheric pressure; obtaining a second atmospheric pressure value; determining whether the second atmospheric pressure value is greater than the first atmospheric pressure value; when it is determined that the second atmospheric pressure value is greater than the first atmospheric pressure value, controlling the at least one flow control mechanism to decrease the flow rate of landfill gas; and when it is determined that the second atmospheric pressure value is less than the first atmospheric pressure value, controlling the at least one flow control mechanism to increase the flow rate of landfill gas.

Abstract: A method of increasing oil recovery form a carbonate oil reservoir by determining the presence of microorganisms, determining a specific nutrient package to stimulate the microorganisms, delivering the nutrient package to the carbonate oil reservoir, and allowing the stimulated microorganisms to change the adhesion tension between the carbonate oil rock formation and the oil and the water.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a food and water thickener and a method for preparing the food and water thickener. The food thickener may comprise pretreated mineral water, xanthan, food preservative, and a chelating agent. The invention can be suitable for providing nutrition to patients with dysphagia.

Abstract: A method for analyzing fluid characteristics of a geological sample with laser-induced breakdown spectral measurements performed on the geological sample, spectral pre-processing performed as necessary, and subsequent analysis is applied to the collected data to determine at least one fluid parameter of the sample. The method can provide a more rapid and reliable method to estimate fluid properties of a geological sample. A system for performing the method also is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is related with a biotechnological process that increases the recovery and mobilization of oils present in carbonated and/or siliciclastic porous media by the action of tensoactive biomolecules from Serratia marcescens SmSA. The invention also increases the oil recovery in reservoirs. Serratia marcescens SmSA biomolecules display tensoactive and emulsifying properties that produce changes in the surface and interfacial tensions, enhanced the recovery and mobilization of oils. The Serratia marcescens SmSA tensoactive biomolecules of the present invention are stable at temperatures from 4 to 121° C., pH from 2 to 12, pressures from atmospheric to 1,706 psi, and NaCl content from 0 to 200 g/L (from 0 to 200,000 ppm). The Serratia marcescens SmSA tensoactive biomolecules reduce the surface tension up to 26 mN/m, the interfacial tension up to 1.8 mN/m with hexadecane, with emulsifying activity up to 71% with the same solvent and a critical micellar concentration (CMC) of 300 mg/L.

Abstract: The use of coal fields as subsurface bioreactors for producing sustainable methane gas from terrestrial sources of biomass is described. Microbial presence is determined for a target coal formation, and tracers are injected to determine permeability, porosity, volume, and minimum and a maximum material injection rates. At least one injection well and at least one circulation well effective for generating an injection rate between the minimum and maximum injection rates are provided for injecting a solution of biodegradable materials into the coal seam. A chosen quantity of biodegradable materials is allowed to be digested, fermented and converted by microbial action within the coal seam. Methane gas is extracted through producing and injecting wells, although pumping will enhance gas recovery.

Abstract: A method of cementing a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation comprises injecting into the wellbore a settable slurry comprising: an aqueous carrier; an aggregate; urea; a calcium source; and a calcium carbonate producing agent comprising a microbe, an enzyme, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; and allowing the slurry to set.

Abstract: A method for the economic assessment of residual oil zones (“ROZ”), support for the engineering of the design of CO2 enhanced oil recovery (“EOR”) systems associated with production of petroleum from ROZ, support of EOR operations, and subsequent management and monitoring of CO2 sequestered in ROZ is disclosed. This efficient identification and assessment of ROZs significantly increases the geographic footprint and target locations into which CO2 can be injected and ultimately utilized and permanently sequestered in a commercial fashion generating value to partially offset the parasitic costs associated with the capture of anthropogenic CO2. Microbial self limitation (MSL) conditions of an ROZ are exploited for the assessment and management purposes of the ROZ.

Abstract: A method of enhancing oil recovery includes the step of determining a specific nutrient package used to initiate a microbiological response under actual reservoir conditions in combination with low salinity water injection. Once determined, the specific nutrient package is applied to at least one targeted well to stimulate resident microorganisms such that size or hydrophobic properties are beneficially altered so that interaction with oil contained in a reservoir rock formation is improved.

Abstract: A system to excavate and remove underground noxious vapors includes a suction wand in fluid communication with a debris tank. A collar is fitted around the suction wand and is configured to seal noxious vapors within a hole around the suction wand. A primary valve is used to control whether the suction wand is being used to excavate material to send to the debris tank, or whether the suction wand is being used to remove noxious vapors from the hole to send to a filtration unit. A monitor is configured to detect explosive concentrates in the noxious vapors to determine whether the explosive concentrates exceed an acceptable level. In addition, the system is configured to dilute and filter the noxious vapors before discharging to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Devices and techniques related to landfill gas extraction are disclosed. A technique for controlling extraction of landfill gas from a landfill through a gas extraction system is described. The method may include measuring a plurality of values indicating conditions associated with the landfill; computing, based at least in part on the plurality of values and on a model of the landfill, a predicted future state of the landfill; determining, based at least in part on the predicted future state of the landfill, one or more control parameters for one or more respective control devices configured to control operation of the gas extraction system; applying the one or more control parameters to the one or more respective control, and with the one or more control devices, controlling extraction of the landfill gas from the landfill based, at least in part, on the one or more respective control parameters.

Abstract: A method of monitoring fluid flow in an oil reservoir includes the step of delivering a nutrient package to an oil reservoir. The nutrient package stimulates the growth of resident microbes/organisms which changes the morphology and function of the microbes. A sample is taken from produced fluids from wells in the reservoir and possible connections thereof and analyzed. Based on the analysis, determinations are made regarding the movement of fluids in the reservoir by observing changes in the range, concentration, and cell morphology of the microbes after nutrient stimulation by comparing pre-treatment versus post treatment measurements.

Abstract: A method for detecting or mapping potential influx zones for gas from a geological formation to a gas well with a well head with a valve tree or a choke includes the following steps of: marking the potential influx zones with tracer systems with corresponding unique tracers—filling the gas well form the surface, through the well head with liquid wherein the tracers have affinity to the liquid, producing liquid form the well, consecutively sampling samples from the produced liquid, to analyze the samples to prove possible presence of one or more tracers or even measure the tracers concentrations. By performing the method, one may prove possible influx of a back flow of liquid from the influx zones that one assumes implies the gas pressure and the inflow of a gas form the influx zones.

Abstract: A method of enhancing oil recovery by use of conformance control involves the provision of a plugging material which is designed to be formed within an area of high-permeability in preference to an area of low permeability in order that subsequent water, gas or chemical flooding can enhance oil recovery from the area/region of low permeability.

Abstract: A fluid slug consolidation is maintained in a fluid system for use in downhole applications. The fluid system has an interfacing fluid of a different character adjacent to the fluid slug. The method is carried out by admixing a particulate material with at least one of the fluid slug and adjacent interfacing fluid in an amount wherein discrete interfacing fluid margins are formed between the slug and the adjacent interfacing fluid under laminar flow conditions. The fluid system is introduced into a well bore of a well formed in a subterranean formation. In certain applications at least a portion of the particulate material is provided with adhesive properties to facilitate aggregation of the particulate material within the at least one of the fluid slug and adjacent interfacing fluid.

Abstract: A method of improving oil recovery includes the step of selecting an oil containing rock formation having geologic structures and well completions with vertical permeability that allow a structurally high water injection point. Through a series of analyzes a nutrient water mixture is determined and injected at the injection point to stimulate resident microorganisms through gravity dispersion of nutrient materials. A period of limitation is allowed to permit changes in the size or hydrophobic properties of the microorganisms. Through interaction with the stimulated resident microorganisms, oil, trapped in a pore space, is freed to accumulate with upward gravity separation for production.

Abstract: Process to elaborate a biostimulant based on seaweeds, comprising acid and alkaline treatment of the algae. The process comprises incorporating American Leonardite and subsequent spraying of product. The invention comprises the composition obtained and its use as germination promoter, root stimulator, among others.

Abstract: A method of delivering a microbe or enzyme to a selected location comprises conveying a coated aggregate to a selected location; wherein the coated aggregate comprises an aggregate and a coating disposed on the aggregate; the coating comprising a polymer matrix and a calcium carbonate producing agent comprising a microbe, an enzyme, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

Abstract: A powder composition for use in preparing flooding fluid for use in petroleum recovery from a petroleum-bearing formation includes an oxygen scavenger and a polymer material. Methods for preparing flooding fluid and for petroleum recovery from a petroleum-bearing formation employ the powder composition.

Abstract: Described are a method and composition which use microorganisms for downhole applications, in particular for the maintenance or restoration of the integrity of a cement sheath in a wellbore. The method of cementing a wellbore comprises preparing a cement composition comprising a pumpable slurry of cement, water and a healing agent that comprises one or more microorganisms, delivering the cement composition into the wellbore and allowing the cement composition to set. The method of restoring the integrity of a set cement composition in a wellbore comprises preparing a pumpable slurry that comprises water, a healing agent that comprises one or more microorganisms and optionally cement, pumping the slurry into the wellbore in and around the set cement composition, and allowing the one or more microorganisms to grow and replicate to thereby restore the integrity of the set cement composition. Compositions for carrying out the methods are also described.

Abstract: There are provided methods, systems and processes for the utilization of microbial and related genetic information for use in the exploration, determination, production and recovery of natural resources, including energy sources, and the monitoring, control and analysis of processes and activities.

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: An enhanced recovery method that optimizes the stages of pumping, transport and surface treatment of the production effluent, during which a sweep fluid having at least one polymer so as to displace hydrocarbons towards a production well is injected into a reservoir, the resulting production effluent having hydrocarbons is collected through the production well, and a degradation agent for a polymer within the sweep fluid is injected into the effluent.

Abstract: Methods of reversibly altering the rock hydrology in systems, such as oil reservoirs, by inducing authigenic mineral-precipitating bacteria to produce authigenic rock mineral.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of establishing a microbial plug in a hydrocarbon-containing geological formation which has been flooded with water. Also disclosed herein are methods of maintaining such plugs-and methods of controlling alteration of the position and/or extent of an established plug. Disclosed herein are plugs such as microbial plugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating a subterranean formation with a composition including a compound made by a microorganism or a microorganism that can make the compound. Various embodiments provide methods of using compositions for treatment of subterranean formations including exopolysaccharides or microorganisms that can make exopolysaccharides under downhole conditions. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation, including providing at least one exopolysaccharide by subjecting an extremophilic or extremotolerant microorganism to conditions such that the microorganism forms the exopolysaccharide, or by subjecting a microorganism genetically modified using an extremophilic or extremotolerant microorganism to conditions such that the microorganism forms the exopolysaccharide. The method can also include contacting a composition including the exopolysaccharide with a subterranean material downhole.

Abstract: A method of increasing oil recovery from oil reservoirs includes the step of conducting a series of lab analysis that lead to a specific nutrient formulation followed by or in parallel with a genetic analysis of resident microorganisms in water produced from an oil reservoir to determine if the population of oil interactive microorganisms may be modified to produce a change in oil-water relative permeability of an oil reservoir. The series of analyzes are conducted to determine the contents of a specific nutrient formulation package to optimize changes in the resident microorganisms to enhance oil recovery by changing oil-water relative permeability in the oil reservoir. Next the specific nutrient formulation is applied to stimulate some of the resident microorganisms to interact with oil contained in the reservoir rock formations. The stimulation step is followed by limiting the specific nutrient formulation to alter or modify the physiology and surface characteristics of the targeted microorganisms.

Abstract: A system and method for long term storage of waste can include a comminuted material having a high surface area. The comminuted material can include particles of processed hydrocarbonaceous materials from which hydrocarbon products have been derived. The comminuted material can be contacted with a flowable waste material so that the flowable waste material is retained in the comminuted material. This flowable waste material is some material other than hydrocarbon products that have been derived from the hydrocarbonaceous materials. An encapsulation barrier can envelope the comminuted material and provide a secondary means of preventing escape of the flowable waste material.