The use of microbial technology in oil extraction has many advantages. Firstly, it helps in the recovery of light hydrocarbons, such as methane, propane, and butane. These hydrocarbons are very volatile and can easily escape, making extraction and recovery difficult. By using microbial technology, these hydrocarbons are trapped and recovered, thereby increasing the overall recovery rate.
Microbial technology is also very effective in reducing the viscosity of heavy hydrocarbons, making it easier to extract crude oil from the well. This is particularly useful in mature oil fields, where the production rate is declining due to the lack of reservoir pressure. By using microbial technology, the viscosity of heavy hydrocarbons is reduced, making it easier to extract oil from the well.
The Mexican Oil Institute (IMP) is one of the institutions that have embraced microbial technology in oil extraction. The institute aims to increase the hydrocarbon recovery factor in its extraction wells by using this technology. This is expected to boost their production capacity and increase their revenue streams.
The process of using microbial technology in oil extraction begins with the isolation and identification of indigenous microorganisms that thrive in the oil reservoir. These microorganisms are then cultured and introduced into the reservoir to enhance hydrocarbon recovery. The microorganisms work by breaking down the complex hydrocarbons into simpler molecules that can easily be extracted and recovered.
Microbial technology also helps in reducing the environmental impact of oil extraction. By increasing the recovery rate of hydrocarbons, the overall amount of oil extracted from the well is reduced, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of oil extraction. This is particularly important in areas where the ecosystem is fragile and vulnerable to pollution.
In conclusion, the use of microbial technology in oil extraction has revolutionized the industry, increasing the recovery rate of hydrocarbons by up to 26%. This technology has many advantages, including the recovery of light hydrocarbons, the reduction of viscosity in heavy hydrocarbons, and the reduction of the environmental impact of oil extraction. The Mexican Oil Institute (IMP) is one of the institutions that have embraced this technology and aims to increase their hydrocarbon recovery factor in extraction wells, which is expected to boost their production capacity and revenue streams. The future of oil extraction is indeed bright with microbial technology.