This invention is directed to a system and method for enhancing oil recovery using radial drilling and microbial activation further from the well bore.
The process of enhancing oil recovery through treatment of microorganisms using a specific nutrient formulation is known in the art. As an example, a process is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,650,561, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Generally, the process identifies certain types of resident bacteria or microorganisms in sandstone and carbonate oil bearing structures. The resident microbes are tested to determine a nutrient formulation that physiologically activates the resident microbe upon treatment. The activation leads to a change from the resident microbe's hydrophilic to hydrophobic physiology and this in turn leads to physical changes at a micro level that changes the relative permeability of the oil, water, and rock interaction.
Microbial enhanced oil recovery depends on two factors. First, enhanced oil recovery depends on how far the nutrients are initially pushed from the well bore by the nutrient injection followed by injection of produced water and shut in. This factor is limited by the cost of the nutrient formulation and the pumping time required.
Second, microbial enhanced oil recovery depends upon how far a natural diffusion process and possible water movement process will carry the nutrients from the well bore over time. The problem with this factor is that it is a slow process and is limited by permeability of the reservoir rock.
Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a system and process that addresses these deficiencies.