Microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR): recent development and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Petroleum Engineering
• Microbiology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Conventional oil recovery leaves over half of crude oil underground.
• Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) is crucial for maximizing extraction.
• Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) is gaining traction due to its sustainability and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles, characteristics, classification, and applications of MEOR.
• To summarize global field trials, focusing on recent advancements in China.
• To identify challenges and future perspectives for MEOR industrialization.

Main Methods:

• Review of worldwide field trials and scientific literature.
• Classification of MEOR techniques including microbial huff and puff recovery (MHPR), microbial flooding recovery (MFR), microbial selective plugging recovery (MSPR), and microbial wax removal and control (MWRC).
• Analysis of microbial strains, nutrient systems, and operational effects.

Main Results:

• MEOR technologies have demonstrated significant success, with an approximate 80% success rate in field applications.
• Recent developments in China show promising results in MEOR applications.
• Successful cases provide valuable experience for wider MEOR adoption.

Conclusions:

• MEOR is a viable and environmentally friendly tertiary oil recovery method.
• Despite successes, challenges remain for widespread industrialization.
• Further research and development are needed to overcome barriers and realize MEOR's full potential.