ABSTRACT
Simulation and experimental results on the transport of microbes and nutrients in one-dimensional coreflooding experiments are presented, and the development of a three-dimensional, three-phase, multiple-component numerical model to describe the microbial transport phenomena in porous media is described. The governing equations in the mathematical model include net flux of microbes by convection and dispersion, decay and growth rates of microbes, Chemotaxis and nutrient consumption, and deposition of microbes on rock grain surfaces. Porosity and permeability reductions due to cell clogging have been considered and the production of gas by microbial metabolism has been incorporated. Governing equations for microbial and nutrient transport are coupled with continuity and flow equations under conditions appropriate for a black oil reservoir.
The computer simulator has been used to determine the effects of various transport parameters on microbial transport phenomena. The model can accurately describe the observed transport of microbes, nutrients, and metabolites in coreflooding experiments. Input parameters are determined by matching laboratory experimental results. The model can be used to predict the propagation of microbes and nutrients in a model reservoir and to optimize injection strategies. Optimization of injection strategy results in increased oil recovery due to improvements in sweep efficiency.
