Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Enhanced Oil Recovery using a Combination of Biosurfactants
Published on: June 3, 2022
Biosurfactant production and use in oil tank clean-up
Abstract:
A proprietary bacterial strain (Pet 1006) produced biosurfactants when grown on both glucose and an immiscible hydrocarbon as carbon sources. Pilot-plant-scale (1500 I) production gave, on repeated batch runs, 2 tonnes of culture broth containing active biosurfactant. The product was used as a substitute for chemical surfactants in a clean-up demonstration test carried out by Cargo Fleet Chemical Company Ltd. (UK) on an oil storage tank belonging to Kuwait Oil Company, Kuwait. The clean-up was successful in removing the sludge from the tank bottom, and it also allowed the recovery of more than 90% of the hydrocarbon trapped in the sludge. The recovered hydrocarbon had excellent properties and could be sold after being blended with fresh crude.
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Surface Active Agents
Bioremediation
Biofuels
Micelles
Colloids

