Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

The traditional methods of stimulating production, involving the injection of water, steam, gas or other products have established the conceptual basis for new methods of oil extraction, utilizing microorganisms and biological processes. Given the enormous economic dimensions of the oil industry, any technology that can increase production or recovery of an oil field or can otherwise unlock additional value from existing energy resources creates the expectation of large technical, economic and strategic benefits. The possible impact of MEOR (Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery) on the recovery factor of oil and gas resources was analyzed as well as its most promising techniques. The results suggest that MEOR techniques can be effective in the production, solubilization, emulsification and transformation of several compounds and that they can promote other physical effects in the oil or the reservoir rock matrix. When applied to unconventional resources, MEOR techniques could also lead to significant production of new energy values. The types of resources most suitable for utilization of MEOR techniques were also identified. Despite the fact that their potential is not yet fully recognized, MEOR techniques represent the dawn of a new era for the recovery of existing oil resources as well as for the development of other energy resources. Most importantly, MEOR represents the opportunity to gain important strategic advantages for industry players and countries that can master its most promising technologies.

Biography

Email:

cmjones@mensa.org.br