SPE 53715
Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery Pilot Test in Piedras Coloradas Field, Argentina
M. A. Maure, SPE, and F. L. Dietrich, SPE, Microbes, Inc. and V. A. Diaz and H. Argañaraz, Perez Companc S.A.
Copyright 1999, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 1999 SPE Latin American and Caribbean
Petroleum Engineering Conference held in Caracas, Venezuela, 21–23 April 1999.
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Abstract
Extensive feasibility tests involving Microbial Improvement
Technology were conducted with the two main productive
formations in Piedras Coloradas Oilfield, Mendoza Province,
Argentina. The program started March 1997 and continued
during twelve non-consecutive months. Six producer wells,
two of them horizontals, were under a systematic program of
inoculations using hydrocarbon-degrading anaerobic-
facultative microorganisms. A complete set of rheology
parameters, specific geochemical fingerprints and biomarkers
comparison was used to evaluate pre- and post-trial
compositional alterations in produced fluids.
Project performance in terms of fractional flow evolution
was correlated with well completion configuration and
reservoir petrophysics by the use of parametric models and
compared on a well-by-well basis with corresponding decline
and complementary baselines. Incremental Oil averages 66%
over baseline with minimum values of 28.5% and maximum
above 110%. Results are consistent and show a clear
correlation between treatment design modifications and water
cut reduction. This correlation proves that Microbial Enhanced
Oil Recovery methods are controllable and predictable if team
integration and proper engineering methods are observed
during pilot design and well monitoring stages.
Cost per Incremental Barrel (CIB) was 5.1 $/barrel during
pilot stage. On MEOR Expanded scales, this value is forecast
to decrease to below 2 $/barrel. The project demonstrates that
this technology is cost effective, easy to implement and
complies very well with local environmental regulations and
biosafety issues.
This pilot program is the first part of an integral mid-term
strategy to use biotechnology in paraffinic oil bearing
reservoirs. Further evaluations in course will be covering
microbial influence mechanisms on waterflooding methods.
Introduction
Enhanced Oil Recovery pilot tests using biotechnology
methods were conducted with the two main productive
formations in Piedras Coloradas Oilfield,Mendoza Province,
Argentina (Figure 1). The objective of these trials was to
determine project performance in terms of fractional flow
evolution and its correlation with well completion
configuration and reservoir petrophysic parameters. By the use
of experimental design techniques, associated objectives were
achieved to determinate how predictable and controllable this
technology is based on previous screening criteria and
monitoring routines.
Piedras Coloradas Field Description
The field was discovered in 1953 and production started in
1956. It is located in Argentine Republic (South America), 65
km southwest of the city of Mendoza. It is part of NW-SE-
oriented trend of oilfields that parallels the western margin of
the Cuyo basin.
The field produces from two separate reservoirs:
Conglomerado Rojo Inferior, named C.R.I.(Barrancas Fm.)
and Victor Oscuro Member (Rio Blanco Fm.). The first
accounts for 80% of the total production (Figure 2). The area
produces 430 M3/D of very paraffinic oil becoming from 85
active wells. Average production per well is 5.8 M3/D with a
standard deviation of ±7.3 M3/D). Active wells are grouped in
four batteries and 24 of these are horizontal. Eighty percent of
Piedras Coloradas production comes from 38% of wells. The
field has incipient waterflooding projects with 6 wells
injecting 1100 M3/D in both reservoirs.
MEOR: Conceptual frame
Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) technology is
based on the systematic inoculation of producing wells with
hydrocarbon-degrading anaerobic-facultative microorganisms.
The primary goal of the method is to extensively colonize the
poral medium of the oil bearing . [Ref .: 1, 16]
Seven different microbial products (sub-communities) of
highly motile, synergetic, symbiotic microorganism consortia
were initially used to test Piedras Coloradas oil biotreatability.
These strains are naturally occurring bacteria capable of
deriving nourishment from linear hydrocarbons. A
combination of products is necessary to adjust the bacterial
2 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ
community to specific substrates (oils) and reservoir
conditions. Microbial products are also conditioned to have an
adequate balance in type of complementary nutrients, buffers,
trace elements (K+, Na+, Mg++, Ca++, Fe++/+++, Zn++, Co++) and
bio-catalizers, since formation water usually lacks sufficient
nitrogen and phosphorous.
Secondary objectives of this stage are to stabilize
enzymatic reactions at water/oil interfaces in the productive
formation, in order that such biochemical action can modify
oil mobility, by the generation of solvents and bio-surfactants.
Differences in microbial effect in treated wells could be
detected in two consecutive stages:
1- Clean-up effects by the removal of organic damage
occurring in the near wellbore of the perforated
interval, opening non-productive zones bearing oils
with a more segregated, heavy and pseudoplastic
behavior. This effect produces a high peak in oil rate
but only for a limited time (Figures 19, 20 and 21).
2- Rheological effects by the compositional alteration
occurring at deeper colonization radius, in drainage
zones with extremely low shear rate values. This
effect is the most important MEOR objective to
pursue in treated wells, as this improvement is
sustainable for a long period if proper microbial
inoculation schedule is continued (Figure 23, c2
segment, Figure24, v-w segment).
The proof of these alterations and consequent modifications is
accomplished by serial Rheological Lab Procedures (Annex
A) in combination with Organic Geochemistry Methods
(Biomarkers and GC-MS Chromatography, Annex C).
The change in amount and compositional characteristic of
produced fluids arises as a consequence of microbial action on
saturated hydrocarbon substrates under anaerobic conditions
accompanied by a strong modification on N/P ratio in the
colonized poral volume. Changes in micro-environmental
parameters existing in poral space promote specific metabolic
paths that ultimately produce the cracking on linear and
branched paraffin compounds, which are present in abundance
in Piedras Coloradas oil (Figures 31, 32). The expected result
is the shifting in molecular weight and chain length toward a
lower range and greater compositional homogeneity. The most
significant evidence is the viscosity reduction at low shear
rates and the shift in pour and cloud temperature points
(Figures 42 and 43, Annex A).
Candidate wells were selected as producers from only one
reservoir (Barrancas or Rio Blanco), avoiding treatment of
multilayer systems, with different petrophysical parameters.
Related Case: Tupungato MEOR Project
Tupungato is a neighbor field in close connection with Piedras
Coloradas area. The North-West limit is common for both
areas. It is also part of NW-SE oriented trend of oilfields that
parallels the western margin of the Cuyo basin. In July 1994 a
MEOR pilot project was started and conducted for two years,
involving the same formations and showing very positive
results. Project details were discussed in a previous technical
SPE 53715
paper [Ref.: 1], and served as an important reference to
encourage MEOR application in Piedras Coloradas field.
MEOR In Piedras Coloradas Field
General Screening Criteria
Primary requirements to check are:
1. Crude oil composition must contain n-alkanes in
sufficient amount and show little or no evidence of
previous levels of biodegradation by indigenous
microbiota. Table 6.
2. Bottom hole temperature need to be less than 250 °F.
Pressure is not a limiting factor.
3. Chlorides less than 100,000 ppm in the formation water.
4. PH is best near neutral.
5. Pore throat distribution in objective reservoirs needs to
have a minimal portion above the range of microbial
community size to permit microorganism migration. This
requirement means to have an "available window" in
poral geometry to permit profound microbial incursion
(Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6).
Fluid Evaluation, Oil
Comparison of a complete set of rheology parameters, specific
geochemical data, ionic patterns, fingerprints and biomarkers
was used to evaluate pre- and post-trial compositional
alterations in produced fluids.
PVT relevant data.
Bubble pressure (psi): 1023
GOR (M3/M3): 37
Bo factor (M3/M3 ): 1.176
Viscosity (cp, SR>20 s-1, 180°F): 4.5 (Roll Ball viscometer)
API°: 32 (Reservoir condition)
Geochemical background
In October 1988, Geochemical Analyses were performed on
five oils from Piedras Coloradas field (EI-14, PC-29, PC-44,
PC-55 and PC-74). This report provide a clear evidence that
these oils could be good targets for a MEOR program, in close
agreement with results obtained in Tupungato pilot project.
Main conclusions were [Ref.: 2]:
• All five Piedras Coloradas oils belong to one oil family.
• All are very paraffinic, undegraded oils that were sourced
from a single source facies.
• All geochemical parameters indicate a single oil type,
with normal alkane distributions.
• Pristane/Phytane ratios and carbon isotope ratios are
particularly diagnostic oil-oil correlation parameters.
• The oils show no signs of water washing or
biodegradation.
• An odd-carbon preference is discernable in the oils, both
in the medium range (C17, C19) and higher molecular
weight (C23, C25) n-alkanes. These preferences, together
with the presence of C27 and C29 steranes suggest the
oils were derived from both algal and terrestrial
precursors (Table 6).
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA
MEOR-oriented geochemical studies
Two independent geochemical laboratories and consultants
were selected to evaluate compositional alterations and their
correlation with rheology parameter evolution.
Conceptual basis and methodology. Changes in the
composition of petroleum during a MEOR process can be
followed through analyses that are typically applied in the
geochemical characterization of rock bitumens and oils. These
changes could occur at a bulk or molecular level, most likely
both, and are difficult to anticipate: each oil type subjected to a
specific microbial batch treatment reacts in a different manner
under particular subsurface conditions. Moreover, these
changes are time-dependant and several of them sequential,
and could show up at very different times in non-related oils.
A summary list of the analytical techniques applied to the
geochemical characterization of oils can be found in Annex C.
Short comments of the changes that could be expected after a
MEOR process on a particular oil are:
• Liquid Column Chromatography is applied after
precipitation of asphaltenes to determine the
proportions of saturated hydrocarbons, aromatic
hydrocarbons and resins + NSO (nitrogen, sulfur,
oxygen) compounds. The naphthenes can be later
estimated as a part of the saturates from the whole oil
gas chromatography. These five fractions are expected
to change after a MEOR process. Modification of API
gravity should be related to the changes in the bulk
composition of the oil.
• Percent Sulfur is a typical bulk parameter of an oil,
which will likely be modified after a MEOR process.
• High Resolution Whole Oil Gas Chromatography
typically allows determination of normal- and iso-
paraffins (quantitatively, in ppm) and defines the
“envelope” of an oil. Ratios between compounds and
relations between ranges of compounds (light,
medium, heavy) as well as the chromatogram baseline
should change after a MEOR process.
• Gas Chromatography of the Saturated
Hydrocarbon Fraction basically provides the same
information as whole oil gas chromatography but is
more precise in resolving peak co-elution and allows
better ratio calculations. However, a big disadvantage
is that during isolation of the fraction the light
compounds <C15 are partially or totally lost.
• Gas Chromatography of the Aromatic
Hydrocarbon Fraction allows identification and
quantification of the typical aromatic compounds
present in oils: methyl-naphthalenes, dimethyl-
naphthalenes, trimethyl-naphthalenes, phenanthrene,
methyl-phenanthrenes and dimethyl-phenanthrenes.
Relationships between these groups of compounds and
between isomers could change after a MEOR process.
• Detailed C6-C7 Gas Chromatography. Twenty-five
compounds are identified and quantified in the C6-C7
range through gas chromatography. The range is very
3
sensitive to microbial attack and should experience
changes after a MEOR process.
• Stable Carbon Isotopes of Whole Oil, Saturates
Hydrocarbon Fraction And Aromatic
Hydrocarbon Fraction. The δ 13C values are bulk
characteristics of oils. After a MEOR process the
values could hypothetically show minor to significant
modifications.
• Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry Of
Saturates Hydrocarbons. The terpane and sterane
biomarker fingerprints represent extraordinary
valuable information in the characterization of an oil
(source, thermal maturity, biodegradation). A MEOR
process could very possibly modify molecular ratios
and parameters of these fingerprints.
• Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry Of
Aromatic Hydrocarbons. Similar to saturate
biomarkers, the fingerprints of aromatic steranes are a
supplement to the molecular characterization of an oil.
In addition, the method allows quantification of 2- &
3-ring aromatic hydrocarbons (naphthalene,
phenanthrene and dibenzothiophenes compounds).
Rheological studies
Conceptual basis. Oil as very complex substance exhibits
typical non-Newtonian behavior. Viscosity is shear rate
sensitive (pseudoplastic model) and it correlates strongly with
the fluid dynamics occurring in the poral space. The concept
of constant viscosity in the drainage area is no longer valid,
rather "apparent" values are pertinent. Specific quantitative lab
procedures were conducted to measure the shift in rheological
properties in treated (inoculated) and untreated (control)
samples obtained from well head manifold for every
candidate well.
Lab indexes and methodology. Serial assays were
conducted to determine the alterability of Barrancas and Rio
Blanco oils under systematic microbial influence (enzymatic
cracking). Basically, lab procedures consisted of serial
inoculations of oil with seven different microbial products,
followed with 48 to 96 hours of controlled atmosphere
incubation at specific temperatures. Further examination of
inoculated and control oil (originals) using full computational
rotational viscometers (Brookfield DVII+/III models), will be
produced the necessary plots and data vectors to generate
quantitative indexes. Deviations in µapp.[mpa.s] vs.
Temperature [°F] and µapp.[mpa.s] vs. Shear Rate [1/s] curves
were the basis for calculating quantitative numbers describing
the degree of compositional alteration. Mathematical
expressions for these dimensionless indexes are described in
Annex A. These numbers translate the graphical information
into lab performance indicators. Furthermore, they are used
during pilot monitoring to contrast and compare lab and field
figures.
So, the Newtonian Index (NI) is used to evaluate the
shifting from shear rate sensitive (pseudoplastic) behavior
toward a more newtonian fluid. The comparison between
4 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ SPE 53715

control and inoculated oil samples is evidence of microbial Kro(Swi): 0.46

cracking by each different microbial culture. To test as Krw(Sor): 0.13
positive NI need to be greater than 1.10. (Eq.32) Swirr (%): 31.4
The Delta Viscosity (DV) Index measures the global Sor (%): 23.3
change in apparent viscosity in the explored range of shear Porosity (%): 16.8
rates (minSR, maxSR). To test as positive DV need to be Absolute Permeability (md): 120
greater than 0.10, (Eq.33) Depth (m.b.s.): 1930
By direct mathematical manipulation of DV index, a Reservoir Temperature (°F) 170
simple version of Enhanced Oil Recovery factor (EOR Index) Original Reservoir Pressure (psi): 2285
is obtained, as related only to viscosity contribution. An Present Reservoir Pressure (psi): 569
exceeding EOR value from 1.15 tests as positive, (Eq. 34) Bubble Pressure (psi): 1023
A data base of 84 oil samples from 11 different fields (22 GOR (M3/M3): 37
from P.C. area), pertaining to the same sector of Cuyo Bo factor (M3/M3 ): 1.176
sedimentary basin were tested to define general rheological Viscosity (cp, SR>20 s-1, 170°F): 4.5 (Roll Ball viscometer)
properties of Mendoza North oils. First evaluations start on API° (Bottom Hole Conditions): 32
1994. In general all these crude oils tested far above cut-off Lithology: Conglomeradic and sandstone with variable
values, evidencing very good microbial treatability. Piedras interleaved shales and limonite components
Coloradas values in pre-selected wells were:
B- Rio Blanco member (V.O.)
Sample NI DV EOR Poral geometry: The poral system is controlled by the quantity
and type of cement, which is related to the amount of tuff
PC-1020 (Horizontal, V.O.) 1.64 0.38 1.61 ashes between the grains. Capillary pressures and electronic
PC-1022 (Horizontal, V.O.) 4.44 0.39 1.64 microscopy runs on core specimens were used to determine
PC-86 (Vertical, V.O.) 20.80 0.76 4.13 pore geometry characteristics. It follows a distinctive matrix
PC-94 (Vertical, V.O.) 0.27 0.61 2.60 monomodal distribution with poral throat mean values
PC-19 (Vertical, C.R.I.) 13.50 0.39 1.64 centered at 2 µm (Figures 3 and 5). Further evaluation has
PC-68 (Vertical, C.R.I.) 1.57 0.95 20.89 detected the presence of microscopic fractures. These small
Limit for positive testing >1.10 >0.10 >1.15 fractures, which are common in this tectonic framework
contribute to the movement of fluids and permit microbes
migration outward in the reservoir. Effective interval: 2-4 m
Fluid Evaluation, Water
Ionic pattern and salinity of formation water need to meet Petrophysical parameters
certain requirements to avoid side effects during the MEOR End Point relative permeabilities values
pilot test. Maximum limit in chlorides is considered safe when Relative permeabilities
it has less than 100.000 p.p.m. PH is best near neutral. Kro(Swi): 0.57
Blending water is also conditioned and monitored for total Krw(Sor): 0.36
solid content and particulate size distribution (Figure 39) Swirr (%): 30.6
Sor (%): 28.2
Reservoir Characterization Porosity (%): 16.2
Main Mechanism of drainage for both reservoir is due to gas Absolute Permeability (md): 5-10
expansion assisted by incipient artificial water drive. Depth (M.b.s.): 2030
Waterflooding projects are not massive. Reservoir Temperature (°F) 180
Structurally the Cuyo basin is an extensive NW-trending Original Reservoir Pressure (psi): 3371
depocenter that is limited by extension faults which were Present Reservoir Pressure (psi): 1279
subjected to several movements. In Piedras Coloradas area, Bubble Pressure (psi): 1026
these tectonics movements formed an anticlinal structure that GOR (M3/M3): 35
plunges to the southwest. This structure continues westward to Bo factor (M3/M3 ): 1.154
the Tupungato field. Viscosity (cp, SR>20 s-1, 170°F): 4.5 (Roll Ball viscometer)
API°(Bottom Hole Conditions): 32
A- Barrancas Fm. (C.R.I.) Lithology: Good reservoirs are mainly related to the
Poral geometry: Core testing using microporosity and presence of sand associated with alluvial fan influx from the
capillary pressures converted into poral throat distribution western flank of the basin. Deposition occurred under a
show very large pore system with average values of 50 µm persistent rain of ash, generating tuff and mixed rocks.
(Figures 4, 6). Effective interval: 8 m Pilot Design
Petrophysical parameters Design of a pilot test is a complex task. To produce the best
End Point relative permeabilities values results in terms of degree of significance and discrimination it
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA
is necessary to integrate a multidisciplinary team in bio-
technology, reservoir, production and complementary areas
(rheology and geochemical topics). The main issues behind
pilot design is to achieve technical closure and good levels of
correlation between controllable and uncontrollable groups of
variables. The controllable variables are mainly MEOR
treatment parameters. The uncontrollable variables are related
with fluid and rock characteristics, which exert significant
influence on MEOR response. Additional goals are to confirm
feasibility indexes exhibited during laboratory testing. The
pilot was designed to define microbial impact on productivity
index for every treated well, completion method and reservoir
in exploitation.
A reasonable prediction capability between previous
screening and post-MEOR results is another important
objective. Discrimination in pre- and post-pilot data
information and good “signal to noise ratio” are essential for a
successful pilot. The trial needs to be programmed to see all
relevant processes in time (pilot duration) and spatial
dependence (number of wells, depth and structural position).
Minimal time scale needs to be a twelve months period.
Another important concept behind of pilot implementation is
to reduce the uncertainty for all relevant measurement
occurring during the pre- and post-MEOR stages. Finally, cost
of pilot evaluation need to be consistent with expected benefits
under different scenarios, risk and expansion strategies.
Well Selection
Six producer wells from a pool of 29 possible candidates (12
from Barrancas and 17 from Rio Blanco Fms.) were selected
to implement the pilot according with following scheme:
• Barrancas Formation: PC-19 (Vertical), PC-68
(Vertical)
• Rio Blanco Formation: PC-1020 (horizontal), PC-
1022 (horizontal), PC-86 (Vertical), PC-94 (Vertical)
Main reasons behind this selection are:
1. Adequate number of candidates to have sufficient
statistical significance and good discrimination in well-
by-well performance evaluation.
2. Non-marginal wells having consistent and clear fluid
production histories.
3. Capable of discriminating microbial stimulation and EOR
improvements in corresponding with control variables for
each targeted reservoir (Barrancas Fm. and Rio Blanco
Fm).
4. Wells producing oils with positive bio-treatability tests.
5. Adequate completion and extraction configuration.
6. Relevance to determining design consideration for future
expansions.
Operative aspects
Treatments
Initial microbial treatments were variable amount of microbe-
laden water (having neutral PH and with solid particulate
control), followed by a 72 hour shut-in period. Subsequent
5
periodic treatments have been one third of initial volume every
15 days. Treatment design centers on seven items:
1. Method of inoculation based on well completion and
extraction method (Figures 37 and 38).
2. Microbial community structure.
3. The total biotic concentration to use during initial and
periodic treatments.
4. Blending and displacement water.
5. Microbial product structure (product participation).
6. Frequency of periodic inoculations.
7. Initial and periodic latencies (shut-in time) that follow
every treatment.
Horizontal wells. Initial inoculation was conducted by
squeezing method according to diagram of Figure 40. Initial
treatment size of 150 barrels was the minimum considered,
based on a lateral diameter of 0.15 m. This size would provide
a bio-reactor that the production would be in for one day as it
traveled to the wellbore, if the entire 150 barrels were
displaced into the formation. To ensure this the treatment size
was increased by the capacity of the lateral from 150 to 220
barrels. If the formation would accept a larger treatment at low
pressure, an initial treatment volume two to three times this
might be considered. A higher microbe concentration in the
maintenance treatments is advisable due the treatment size
mandated by the length of the lateral. The formation needs to
be over balanced in so that it can take fluid over the 3 day
shut-in time.
Periodic treatments were by batching using annulus space.
The volume of microbe-laden water was calculated so that as
the fluid level in the well gradually decreases, the fluid forced
into the formation is microbe-laden and not displacement
water. Using pressure build-up data, the bottom hole pressure
at the end of three days was used to determine approximately
what the fluid level in the well would be at the end of the shut-
in period, and the treatment was sized accordingly.
Vertical wells. The initial treatment was designed to use a
lower concentration than the maintenance treatment. Usually a
1: 210 dilution was used on the initial treatment (0.2 gal./bbl.)
and a 1:84 dilution on the maintenance treatments (0.5
gal./bbl.). The rationale is that with the longer shut-in times
the microbes have more time to grow and become established
than with the shorter times normally used on maintenance
treatments. For wells having a low average permeability
limiting fluid input, higher concentration for the initial
treatment is probably advisable.
The maintenance (periodic) treatment size of 50 barrels
was selected as a compromise between radius of microbial
penetration and quick fractional flow stabilization after shut-in
period. Results in Tupungato field validated this assumption.
Both initial and periodic treatments were by annulus (Figure
41).
The original program of treatments is summarized in Table
1. Product participation was P #1: 28.5%, P #4: 13.5%, P #5:
9.5% and P #6: 48.5%. Microbial sub-communities are
presented in liquid medium as concentrates, having 106 - 108
viable microorganism per ml. Microbial liquid product (five
6 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ SPE 53715

gallon drums) was stored out of direct sunlight and extreme
weather conditions (+5 to +30 ºC), avoiding freezing
temperatures.
Project evaluation
The inoculation program started March 1997 and continued
for twelve non-consecutive months. Two reservoirs and six
producer wells, two of them horizontals, were under a
systematic program of inoculations using hydrocarbon
degrading anaerobic-facultative microorganisms. A complete
set of rheology parameters, specific geochemical fingerprints
and biomarkers comparison was used to evaluate pre- and
post-trial compositional alterations in produced fluids.
Technical aspects
Methodology to evaluate MEOR performance
MEOR’s long-term distinctive response is to increase net oil
rate and simultaneously to reduce Water Cut (Figures 07 to
18). This typical duality in MEOR response is explained by
the change in apparent oil and water mobilities in the
colonized portion of the reservoir, the bioreactor.
Project Performance is evaluated well by well by tracking
Productivity Index (P.I.) evolution (Eq. 1). Individual well
testing into common battery and last generation echometry
were used to have good data input for calculating and updating
P.I. Four production tests per well per month, with
confirmatory duplicate tests, were the usual monitoring to
track project performance. Special care was taken to verify
constancy in dynamic fluid levels pre- and post-MEOR.
Pre-Meor adequate baselines for every well were
calculated before starting the program of inoculations. Low
noise (data scatter) allowing consistent decline curve
determination is of the upmost importance for proper
discrimination of microbial effects on well and reservoir
productivity.
Project evaluation is based on a customized set of MEOR
Performance Curves (MPC), Eq. 2 with embedded rock-fluid-
microbiota parameters which are validated using field data.
Annex B. The use of MEOR performance curve methodology
is accomplished in four basic steps:
• First, lab screening procedures are conducted to test
rheology behavior in produced oils using control and
Field data was matched using radial/elliptical flow model
expressions considering concentric coupled zones of altered
and original fluids. The model considers the oil as non-
Newtonian, shear-rate-dependent fluid (Annex B).
Mechanistic models could be easily adjusted to take into
consideration horizontal completion geometry and
permeability anisotropy.
Net oil increment
Evaluation of incremental oil was performed using reservoir
simulations that consider two-parameter rheological models
(Ostwald de Waele Nutting scheme, Annex B). Results are
dimensionless time-dependent quotients of Productivity
Indexes for the oil fraction before and after MEOR. The
influence on MEOR response of petrophysic parameters is
mainly associated with two aspects:
1. Microbial Migration Rate (MMR) is related to reservoir
poral geometry (pore throats distributions); and
2. Shear Rate Field (SRF) is based on colonized reservoir
and fluid flow dynamics and their connection with
apparent viscosity.
MMR correlate very well with how quickly the maximum
MEOR response is obtained (improvement in Productivity
Index, PI). This point will be depends on final radius of
bacteria penetration and density of colonies in the
corresponding reservoir poral spectra. SRF has a singular
importance with shear rate sensitive oils (pseudoplastic
behavior) and degree of compositional alteration. Figures 07
to 18, and 25 to 30 summarize pre- and post-MEOR oil
production history. Composite performance is showing in next
graph. Change in oil decline tendency before and after MEOR
is clear and well defined. Incremental Oil averages 66% over
baseline (dashed) with minimal values of 28.5% and
maximum above 110%, in close correlation with oil °API
variation: PC-19 , Pre: 19.3 , Post: 24.0 °API; PC-1020, Pre:
21.9, Post: 23.3 °API.
Oil Rate (6 wells composite)
200
Qoi Pilot_start
t
150
Qbase
t
ORm
[M3/D]

t
inoculated samples for every well; 100
• Second, Incremental Oil Rates (IOR) and Water Cut vs.
ORtot
i

time figures are forecast according to treatment design, ORtotm

x 50
reservoir and well completion information;
• Third, predicted curves are correlated with field
performance data during pilot implementation; providing 0
1000 0 1000
insights and guidelines for process optimization and
t shift , t , t
shift , T , T
treatment design alteration, permitting assessment of i x
Time [days from MEOR start]
MEOR prospects and offering practical guidelines during
MEOR curve-type
field implementation and pilot project follow-up Baseline
monitoring; and Incremental Oil
• Fourth, economical models are run to calculate updated Pre-MEOR production history
Post-MEOR experimental points
profitability indexes.
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 7

Water Cut Reduction clean-up of the productive interval and by new oil produced
Figures 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 summarize pre- and post- from original poor quality oil bearing zones. This increase is
Meor water cut evolution. Water cut tendencies for the six- not a trend and might better be viewed as a baseline shift.
well composite is shown below. Water influx is decreasing in Additional before and after MEOR samples from PC-19
relation with oil. Change in water cut tendency is evident and (C.R.I. member) and PC-1020 (V.O. member) are currently
is a clear indication of compositional and mobility alteration at under analysis.
reservoir conditions.
API gravity show a consistent and increasing trend:
Water Cut (6 wells composite) °API variation (lab normalized conditions)
100 PC-19
Pilot_start
Pre-MEOR: 19.3 Post-MEOR: 24.0 ∆: +4.7
PC-1020
Pre-MEOR: 21.9 Post-MEOR: 23.3 ∆: +1.4

80 Saturates hydrocarbons
WRtot
i PC-19
Pre-MEOR: 62.2 Post-MEOR: 66.9
[%]

WRtotm
x PC-1020
Pre-MEOR: 57.1 Post-MEOR: 68.4
60
Light end alteration: C6 and C7 components
PC-19 C6 C7
Pre-MEOR: 0.30% 0.57%
Post-MEOR: 1.34% 2.08%
40
1000 0 1000 PC-1020 C6 C7
T ,T Pre-MEOR: 0.68% 1.00%
i x
[Time from MEOR start, days] Post-MEOR: 0.82% 1.33%
Pre-MEOR history
Esteranes indicator
Post-MEOR experimental points
The molecular change that correlate positively with microbial
molecular attack is the decrease in the C29 Compounds in
Experimental Design (E.D.) relation to the C27 counterparts. This decrease is readily
To analyze MEOR performance correlation with specific apparent in the m/z 217 mass fragmentograms specific for
variations in treatment parameters a limited Experimental steranes. Also, detectable is a significative increase in αββ
Design was conducted beginning mid-course in the original isomers in respect to ααα (specially in C29 esteranes).
inoculation schedule. Mann-Whitney (Non parametric test,
also named U proof) statistic procedure was used to verify Biomarkers
degree of significance between treatment changes and MEOR A general increase in terms of absolute concentration (ppm)
response. Tables 2, 3 and 4, Figure 19, 20 and 21, summarize for the complete series of usual biomarkers such as C30
E.D. results: Segment Baseline-A: Clean up; BC: Microbial Hopane is observed:
colonization; CD: Colony retraction (well is under-
stimulated); DE: re-colonization after of concentration C30 Hopane (ppm)
changes. Status PC-19 PC-1020
Pre-MEOR: 1486 1326
Rheological comparison Post-MEOR: 2048 2052
A clear and remarkable improvement in oil rheology was Note: 25-Norhophanes series was not detected in post-MEOR
detected (Figures 33, 34, 35 and 36). samples.
Geochemical comparison Phenathrene/Dibenzothiophene ratio
A significant alteration in oil geochemical properties, Status PC-19 PC-1020
biomarkers and fingerprints was detected. Figures 31 and 32 Pre-MEOR: 14 9.5
summarize the changes in Piedras Coloradas MEOR Post-MEOR: 15.9 10.2
application. Light ends (S1) are mainly originated by
enzymatic cracking on n-alkanes (S2), and their increase
continues over the life of the project. On the other hand the
increase in heavy compounds (S3, S5) occur during initial
8 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ SPE 53715

Quantified compounds (Methylnaphaftalenes, %) Pay-Outs (PO)

PC-19 Based on a well by well analysis an average PO value of 75
Status MN DMN TMN MP days from pilot start was obtained.
Pre-MEOR: 2.79 18.30 26.79 22.69 Cost per Incremental Barrel (CIB)
Post-MEOR: 7.65 31.35 31.42 12.33 CIB was 5.1 $/barrel during pilot stage. On MEOR Expanded
scales, CIB is forecast to decrease to below 2 $/barrel. The
PC-1020 difference is due to pilot trials being conducted at small scale,
Status MN DMN TMN MP and being intensive in studies, operative support and
Pre-MEOR: 8.53 26.29 27.57 16.54 engineering (Table 8).
Post-MEOR: 8.92 29.64 32.42 12.56 Incremental Reserves (IR)
IR totalizes an optimized value of 141,800 M3 of oil at
Where: economic limits (<1 M3/D per well). A mean value of 50,000
MN, Methylnaphaftalenes; DMN, Dimethylnaphaftalenes; M3 were assumed as conservative. Values were considering
TMN, Trimethylnaphaftalenes; MP, Methylphenathrene. well-by-well analysis and the further integration of individual
calculations for the composite (Table 9).
A progressive decrease in Aromatics, NSO and Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
asphalthenes is detectable. Also observable is a clear variation IRR value is above 200% at average optimized prospects.
in CPI (Carbon Preference Index) with increasing tendency in
odd carbon chain predominance mainly in nC15 to nC27 range Conclusions
[Ref: 5, 8]. 1- MEOR is technically feasible in Piedras Coloradas field
2- Both formations test positive with similar performance
figures.
Biosafety issues 3- MEOR on horizontal completions has interesting and
MEOR bacteria used in Piedras Coloradas project are non- positive effects in terms of restoring productive length
pathogenic. During the pilot, special care was taken to meet and size of colonized areas.
local and foreign regulation in regard to environmental and 4- MEOR is profitable at pilot and scaled stages.
health topics 5- A high correlation exists between the Piedras Coloradas
Toxicity tests on animals and plants were done by the and Tupungato-Refugio projects in both conditions and
Institute of Microbiology (Academia Sinica) and by the performance.
Institute of Atom Energy Utilization, Chinese Academy of 6- Multidisciplinary team integration and proper monitoring
Agriculture Science, both in the Peoples Republic of China. techniques are key factors to optimize fractional flow and
Selected animals and plants were Kunming mice (200 incremental recovery in microbial stimulated reservoirs.
individuals, weighting 18-20 grams., half-male, half-female)
and Cucumber (Jinyan #5 strain) and rice (Yuefu strain) seeds
respectively. Special essay protocols and method of exposure Course of future actions
using microbial products number #1, #4, #5 and #6 were 1- To conclude in-course optimization stage in a cluster of
applied to germinated plants, seeds and animals under test. wells under treatment.
All results were no adverse affects for plants or animals. 2- To evaluate best expansion strategies for vertical and
The microbial product caused no abnormalities in plants (rice horizontal wells to maximize economic return..
and cucumber) and mice. No abnormality or disease occurred 3- To evaluate MEOR potential in waterflooding schemes.
on different crops by different ways of treatment. No
abnormality occurred of heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney or
SI metric Conversion Factors
intestine of test mice.
acre-foot x 1.233 489 E+03 = m3
barrel x 1.589 873 E-01 = m3
Economical aspects foot x 3.048* E-01 = m
Five year and longer forecasts using net present value curves md x 9.869 233 E-04 = µm2
based on adjusted individual well performance curves were ml x 1.0 E-06 = m3
calculated at project termination. Then an integrate set of NPV psi x 6.894 757 E+00 = kPa
figures for the six well composite was calculated over a U.S.Gal x 3.785 412 E+00 = L
similar period with sensitivity and risk analysis. Different °F (°F -32)*5/9 E-01 = °C
economic indexes like Pay-Out (break even point analysis), * Conversion factor is exact
Exposure, and Internal Rates of Return (I.R.R.) were derived.
Acknowledgements
Further analysis with floating scenarios of oil prices (from
We want to thank to Perez Companc Company and Microbes
location-adjusted WTI of 17.5 to 10 $/barrel), taxes and
Inc. for permission to publish this paper. Special thanks to
treatment alternatives provide a detailed profitability
Piedras Coloradas directive staff and operative team for
evaluation (Tables 8, 9 and 10).
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 9

valuable discussion, follow-up effort and contribution to Aquitaine , Centre Scientifique et Technique Jean Feger
interpret MEOR field data. We also thank Alfredo 64018 Pau Cedex, France.)
Rezinovsky, for his assistance in preparing this manuscript. 13. Laboratory Testing of a Microbial Enhanced Oil
Recovery Process Under Anaerobic Conditions. Bruce
Rouse, Franz Hiebert, and L.W. Lake, U. of Texas. SPE
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24819.
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14. A Mathematical Model for Microbially Enhanced Oil
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Recovery Process. Xu Zhan, R.M. Knapp, and M.J.
SPE, Z.H.Zhou, SPE, Microbes, Inc.; and M.A.Maure,
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SPE, Green Consultores. SPE 53715.
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Recovery. M. R. Islam, U. of Alaska-Fairbanks. SPE
PCXP 1002 Well and Characterization of Five Oils,
20480.
Piedras Coloradas Field, Cuyo Basin, Argentina, October
16. MEOR - Altamont/ Bluebell Field Project. L.P. Streeb,
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Coastal Oil & Gas Corp., and F.G. Brown, Natl.
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14, 1964.
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5. New Tools Target Oil-Quality Sweet Spots in Viscous-Oil
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Accumulations. P.C. Smalley, SPE, and N.S Goodwin,
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BP Exploration ; J.F. Dillon and C.R. Bidinger, BP
Microbes and metabolities , and Effects of Additive. R.S.
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Project. Rebecca S. Bryant, SPE, and Thomas E.
Performance. Hemanta Mukherjee and Michael J.
Burchfield, SPE, Natl. Inst. for Petroleum & Energy
Economides. Dowell Schlumberger. SPE 18303.
Research ; DM. Dennis, Microbial System Corp. ; and
21. Productivity of a Horizontal Well. D.K. Babu and
D.O. Hitzman, Injectech Inc. SPE 17341.
A.S.Odeh, Mobil R&D Corp.. SPE 18298.
7. Calculating Viscosities of Reservoir Fluids From Their
22. Augmentation of Well Productivity with Slant and
Compositions. John Lohrenz, Bruce G. Bray, Members
Horizontal Wells. SD.Joshi, SPE, Phillips Petroleum Co.
AIME, Charles R. Clark. Continental Oil Co, Ponca City ,
SPE 15375.
Okla. U. of Kansas. Lawrence , Kans. Paper presented at
23. Dimensionless Methods for the study of particle settling
SPE Annual Fall Meeting, held in Houston, Tex., Oct. 11-
in Non-Newtonian Fluids. Liang Jin, SPE, and Glenn S.
14-1964.
Penny, SPE, Stim-Lab Inc. SPE 28563.
8. Pieter Shenck Award acceptance speech Geochemical
24. The Transport of Bacteria in Porous Media and its
indicators of biodegradation : tools for developing and
Significance in Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery. Long
managing heavy oil assets (17th. International Meeting on
Kuan Jang, M.M. Sharma, and T.F. Yen, U of Southern
Organic Geochemistry, Donostia- San Sebastian,
California. SPE 12770.
September 6, 1995). Mark A. McCaffrey.
25. Advances in the characterization of microbial populations
9. A Genome Probe Survey of the Microbial community in
in the subsurface. Ian Head. NRC News, May 1996,
Oil Fields. Voordouw. G. ; Telan , A. J. Department of
Subsurface Microbial Populations.
Biological Sciences, The University of Calgary, Alberta,
T2N 1N4, Canada.
10. Surfactant - Base EOR Mediated by Naturally Occurring
Microorganisms. CP. Thomas, SPE, M.L. Duvall, SPE,
E.P. Robertson, SPE, K.B. Barrett and G.A. Bala, SPE,
EG&G Idaho Inc.. SPE 22844.
11. A Prediction Technique for Inmiscible Processes Using
Field Performance Data. Iraj Ershaghi, SPE, U. of
Southern California. Doddy Abdassah, SPE, U. of
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Composition. Chapter I. 6. Ph. Blanc and Connan. (Elf
10 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ SPE 53715

Tables

Treatment Design (original)

Well Start Date C.I. L.I. C.P. L.P. Frequency Method

[dd/mm/aa] [Gal] [hs] [gal] [hs] [T/month]
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 17/3/97 63 72 9 24 2 *Squeeze/Batch
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 03/04/97 63 72 15 24 2 *Squeeze/Batch
PC-68 (B.R.C.) 31/03/97 63 72 8 24 2 Batch
PC-19 (B.R.C.) 27/03/97 63 72 8 24 2 Batch
PC-94 (V.O.) 24/03/97 63 72 8 24 2 Batch
PC-86 (V.O.) 20/03/97 63 72 7 24 2 Batch

C.I.: Initial Concentration of Microbial Concentrates (P#1,P#4, P#5 and P#6)

L.I.: Latency (initial shut-in time)
C.P.:Periodic Concentration
L.P.:Latency (Periodic shut-in time)
Frequency: Treatments per month
* Inoculation method, Squeeze only for Initial Treatment

Table 01: MEOR, Inoculation parameters

Treatment modifications (Experimental Design)

Well Original Modified Percentage

concentration concentration of change
Time interval [gals] Time [gals]
interval
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 17/3 - 15/5 9 15/5 - 15/6 20 +122 %
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 3/4 - 15/5 15 15/5 - 15/6 25 +66 %
PC-68 (C.R.I.) 31/3 - 15/5 8 15/5 - 15/6 16 +100 %
PC-19 (C.R.I.) 27/3 - 15/5 8 15/5 - 15/6 8 0%
PC-94 (V.O.) 24/3 - 15/5 8 15/5 - 15/6 8 0%
PC-86 (V.O.) 20/3 - 15/5 7 15/5 - 15/6 14 + 100 %

Table 02: MEOR, sensitive analysis on concentrations

Oil rate comparison

ORo [M3/D] ORm1 [M3/D] ORm2 [M3/D] ORm3 [M3/D]

Well Post-MEOR Post-MEOR Post-MEOR
Pre-MEOR Phase 1 Phase 2 Post. Modif.
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 8.8 18.3 13.0 17.0
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 19.9 33.9 14.6 20.7
PC-68 (C.R.I.) 3.9 4.4 5.9 6.1
PC-19 (C.R.I.) 2.3 4.4 8.3 Unmodified
PC-94 (V.O.) 13.6 23.9 15.5 Unmodified
PC-86 (V.O.) 8.0 8.2 6.7 11.7

Table 03: MEOR, Experimental Design results

SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 11

Water Cut comparison

Wc [%] Wcm1 [%] Wcm2 [%] Wcm3 [%]

Well Post-MEOR Post-MEOR Post-MEOR
Pre-MEOR Phase 1 Phase 2 Post. Modif.
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 64.0 39.0 45.8 39.1
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 72.5 44.0 70.7 59.5
PC-68 (C.R.I.) 68.6 67.5 65.0 55.6
PC-19 (C.R.I.) 86.6 72.3 72.8 Not modified
PC-94 (V.O.) 62.3 51.6 58.7 Not modified
PC-86 (V.O.) 56.6 54.5 63.3 40.0

Table 04: MEOR, Experimental Design results

Oil viscosity comparison

µ apparent Laboratory µ apparent µ apparent Temp.

Well Pre-MEOR [cp] Post-MEOR Post-MEOR [°F]
Control Series 1 Series 2
[cp] [cp] [cp]
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 270-340 170 50 65 100
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 70 62 51 57 95
PC-68 (C.R.I.) 380 20 20 25 170
PC-19 (C.R.I.) 330 200 20 9 180
PC-94 (V.O.) 148 50 37 39 130
PC-86 (V.O.) 275 73 62 55 94

Table 05: MEOR, Oil viscosity alteration at MDT temperatures and below SR: 1 s-1

Geochemical parameters

Well Pristane/nC-17 Phytane/nC-18 Obs.

PC-1022 0.22 0.13 Rio Blanco Fm. (P. Coloradas)
PC-19 0.26 0.14 Barrancas Fm. (P. Coloradas)
LL-7 5.02 13.51 Llancanelo (extremely biodegrated oil)

Table 06: MEOR, Natural biodegration status in Piedras Coloradas oils

MEOR performance

IOR: (MEOR365 –1) x 100 Oil Rates [M3/D]

Well [% over baselines] Values at pilot start
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 118 8.8
PC-1022 H (V.O.) 68 19.9
PC-68 (C.R.I.) 92 3.9
PC-19 (C.R.I.) 97 2.3
PC-94 (V.O.) 124 13.6
PC-86 (V.O.) 60 8.0

Table 07: MEOR, Incremental Oil (Optimized, mid term inference)

12 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ SPE 53715

Economic Analysis

VAN365 VAN1825 Pay Out C.B.I.

Well [M$] [M$] [Days] [$/Incremental
barrel]
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 112 324 91 4.8
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 88 278 108 5.7
PC-68 (C.R.I.) 36 212 88 7.3
PC-19 (C.R.I.) 48 113 75 6.5
PC-94 (V.O.) 181 792 36 2.6
PC-86 (V.O.) 130 583 51 3.8

Table 08: MEOR, Profitability and cost parameters

Incremental Reserves and Economic Limits

Incremental Reserves at Shiftment in economic

Well economic limit limits from Meor start
[MEOR - Conventional] [MEOR - Conventional]
[Mm3] [Days]
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 18.7 - 9.8 2891 - 1890
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 25.7 - 11.1 3591 - 2822
PC-68 (C.R.I.) 17.5 - 17.5 1825 - 1825 *
PC-19 (C.R.I.) 8.4 - 3.7 1999 - 1188
PC-94 (V.O.) 39.7 - 39.7 3650 - 3650 *
PC-86 (V.O.) 31.8 - 31.8 3650 - 3650 *

Table 09: MEOR, comparative analysis (*, Economic limit is not reached)

Investment Periodic inoculations

Well First inoculation program (annual cost)
Alt. 1, alt 2 Alt. 1, alt 2
[M$ - M$] [M$ - M$]
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 17.2 - 18.2 52.9 - 44.0
PC-1020 H (V.O.) 17.2 - 18.2 52.0 - 44.0
PC-68 (C.R.I.) 4.2 - 5.2 44.8 - 37.5
PC-19 (C.R.I.) 4.2 - 5.2 48.0 - 40.7
PC-94 (V.O.) 4.2 - 5.2 40.7 - 34.4
PC-86 (V.O.) 4.2 - 5.2 42.3 - 35.8

Table 10: MEOR, Range of Investment and Annual cost for two alternatives of treatments
in Piedras Coloradas field
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 13

Figures Quaternary

1800 M
A Member
Terciary
Barrancas B Member
Formation
Triasic C Member
2100 M

Paleozoic
2050 M
Complex A
Upper Member
Layer A-1

Rio Blanco Layers C, D

Medium Member
Piedras Coloradas Field Formation
(Cuyo Basin, Argentina)
Lower Member
2400 M

Figure 1: Field Location Figure 2: Target Reservoirs

Rio Blanco Fm. ( V.O ) Barrancas Fm. (B.R.C.)

Bacteria
Bacteria Size
Size Range
Range Bacteria Size Range

25 15

20
Frecuency [ % ]

Frecuency [ % ]

10
15

10
5
5

0 0
0.1 1 10 100 0.1 1 10 100
Poral throat diameter [Microns ] Poral throat diameter [ Microns ]

Figure 3: Rio Blanco Fm., Poral Distribution and Bacteria Size Figure 4: Barrancas Fm., Poral Distribution and Bacteria Size

Figure 5: Rio Blanco Fm., Pore Structures Figure 6: Barrancas Fm., Pore Structures
14 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ SPE 53715

30 Oil rate [M3/D] 100 100 Water cut [%]

30

Pilot_start Pilot_start
ORa WCa
i 20 i

ORma WCma
x x

10
50

0 30
0
3000 2000 1000 0 1000 3000 2000 1000 0 1000
3000 T ,T 1000 3000 T ,T 1000
i x i x

[Time from MEOR start, days] [Time from MEOR start, days]

Pre-Meor Pre-Meor
Post-Meor Post-Meor

Figure 7: Well PC-86, Production Response (V.O. Formation) Figure 8: Well PC-86, Water Cut Response (V.O. Formation)

30
Oil rate [M3/D] 100
Water cut [%]
30 100

Pilot_start Pilot_start
ORb WCb
i 20 i

ORmb WCmb
x x

10
50

0 30
0
3000 2000 1000 0 1000 3000 2000 1000 0 1000
3000 T ,T 1000 3000 T ,T 1000
i x i x

[Time from MEOR start, days] [Time from MEOR start, days]
Pre-Meor Pre-Meor
Post-Meor Post-Meor

Figure 9: Well PC-94, Production Response (V.O. Formation) Figure 10: Well PC-94, Water cut Response (V.O. Formation)

20 Oil rate [M3/D] 100 Water cut [%]

20 100

Pilot_start Pilot_start
ORc WCc
i i

ORmc 10 WCmc 50
x x

0 0
0 0
3000 2000 1000 0 1000 3000 2000 1000 0 1000
3000 T ,T 1000 3000 T ,T 1000
i x i x

[Time from MEOR start, days] [Time from MEOR start, days]

Pre-Meor Pre-Meor
Post-Meor Post-Meor

Figure 11: Well PC-19, Production Response (B.R.C. Formation) Figure 12: Well PC-19, Water Cut Response (B.R.C. Formation)
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 15

10 Oil rate [M3/D] 100 Water cut [%]

10 100

Pilot_start Pilot_start
ORd WCd
i i

ORmd 5 WCmd 50
x x

0 0
0 0
3000 2000 1000 0 1000 3000 2000 1000 0 1000
3000 T ,T 1000 3000 T ,T 1000
i x i x

[Time from MEOR start, days] [Time from MEOR start, days]

Pre-Meor Pre-Meor
Post-Meor Post-Meor
Figure 13: Well PC-68, Production Response (B.R.C. Formation) Figure 14: Well PC-68, Water Cut Response (B.R.C. Formation)

60
Oil rate [M3/D] 100 Water cut [%]
60 100

Pilot_start Pilot_start
ORe WCe
i 40 i

ORme WCme
x x
50
20

0 20
0
2000 1000 0 1000 2000 1000 0 1000
2000 T ,T 1000 2000 T ,T 1000
i x i x

[Time from MEOR start, days] [Time from MEOR start, days]
Pre-Meor Pre-Meor
Post-Meor Post-Meor
Figure 15: Well PC-1020, Production Response (V.O. Formation) Figure 16: Well PC-1020, Water Cut Response (V.O. Formation)

100
Oil rate [M3/D] 100
Water cut [%]
100 100

Pilot_start Pilot_start
ORf WCf
i i 80

ORmf 50 WCmf
x x

60

0 40
0 40
1000 0 1000 1000 0 1000
1400 T ,T 1000 1500 T ,T 1000
i x i x

[Time from MEOR start, days] [Time from MEOR start, days]
Pre-Meor Pre-Meor
Post-Meor Post-Meor

Figure 17: Well PC-1022, Production Response (V.O. Formation) Figure 18: Well PC-1022, Water Cut Response (V.O. Formation)
16 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ SPE 53715

Piedras Coloradas - Well: PC-1020 (H)

30

OR Tmeor_start Tecon_lim
i

Qcp 25
v

co
Qcp
v 3 20
Oil Rate (M3/D]

co
Qcp
v 3
15
ORm
u

Qcpmx
kj
10
Qcpmy
kj

Qcpmz
kj 5 Econ_lim

0
1500 1000 500 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
T , Tx , Tx , Tx , Tm , kj , kj , kj
i v v v u
Time (days)
Figure 19: MEOR Response, Control Bands On Baselines and Curve-Type sensitive Analysis

67.97 Water Cut [%] 30

Oil Rate (M3/D)
80 30

Tmeor_start OR Tmeor_start
i

Qh
60 v
A
co 20
WC Qh C
Net oil (m3/day]

i v 3
WCm 40 co
u Qh
v 4 E

Qcp
v 10 B
20 D
ORm
u

17.36
0.663
0 0
200 0 200 200 0 200
300 T , Tm 200 300 T , Tx , Tx , Tx , Tx , Tm 200
i u i v v v v u
Time (days) Time (days)

Figure 20: Water Cut Response in Horizontals Figure 21: Oil Rate Response and Controllability
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 17

Oil rates [M3/D]

15

OR Tmeor_start
i
Wellbore Reservoir
Qh colonization
v Clean-Up

Qcp
v
10
ORm
u

Qcpl
w

Qm1
y

Qm0
y
5
Qm2
y

Qcup
y
Econ_lim

0
2000 1500 1000 500 0 500
T , Tx , Tx , Tm , Tx , Ty , Ty , Ty , Tyc
i v v u w y y y y
Time (days)
Figure 22: MEOR Clean-up effect discrimination from Reservoir Colonization Behaviour (PC-19 (Barrancas Fm.))

Water Cut [%] Oil Rates [M3/D]

100 15

00 Tmeor_start

WR 80 72.8
i OR
C2 i
U
QWcp Baseline Qh
v C1 v 10
QWcpm1 60 Qcp
v v

QWcpm2 ORm W
v u

WCm Qcpl
u 40 w
I
QWcpp Qm1 5
q y

20 V
Econ_lim

0 0
500 0 500 500 0 500
T , Tx , Tx 20 , Tx 10 , Tm , Txq T , Tx , Tx , Tm , Tx , Ty
i v v v u q i v v u w y
Time (days) Time (days)
Figure 23: Water Cut Evaluation Using MEOR Curve-Type Figure 24: Long Term MEOR Response need to be evaluated
Analysis using V-W curve segment and after clean-up baseline (dashed
decline baseline, " I " difference)
18 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ SPE 53715

Oil Rate [M3/D] Water cut [%]

100 100

Pilot_start Pilot_start

ORtot WRtot 80
i i

ORtotm 50 WRtotm
x x

60

0
40
1000 500 0 500 1000 500 0 500
T ,T T ,T
i x i x
[Time from MEOR start, days] [Time from MEOR start, days]

Pre-Meor Pre-Meor
Post-Meor Post-Meor

Figure 25: MEOR Perfomance (Six Well Composite) Figure 26: MEOR Perfomance (Six Well Composite)

Oil Rate [M3/D] Water cut [%]

20 100

Pilot_start Pilot_start
15
ORtot WRtot 80
i i

ORtotm 10 WRtotm
x x

60
5

0 40
1000 500 0 500 1000 500 0 500
T ,T T ,T
i x i x
[Time from MEOR start, days] [Time from MEOR start, days]

Pre-Meor Pre-Meor
Post-Meor Post-Meor

Figure 28: MEOR Performance (Barrancas Fm.)

Figure 27: MEOR Performance (Barrancas Fm.)

Oil Rate [M3/D] Water cut [%]

80 60

Pilot_start Pilot_start

ORtot 60 WRtot 50
i i

ORtotm WRtotm
x x

40 40

20 30
1000 500 0 500 1000 500 0 500
T ,T T ,T
i x i x
[Time from MEOR start, days] [Time from MEOR start, days]

Pre-Meor Pre-Meor
Post-Meor Post-Meor

Figure 29 MEOR Performance (Rio Blanco Fm.) Figure 30: MEOR Performance (Rio Blanco Fm.)
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 19

PC-1022 - Normal Alkanes

4
S2
p.p.m.

2
S1 S3

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Carbon order

Pre-Meor
Post-Meor

PC-1022 - Branched Alkanes

4
S4
S5
p.p.m.

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Carbon order

Pre-Meor
Post-Meor
Figure 31: MEOR, Geochemical Signature (Rio Blanco Oil, Horizontal Completion)

PC-19 - Normal Alkanes

4
p.p.m.

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Carbon order
Pre-Meor
Post-Meor
PC-19 - Branched Alkanes
6

4
p.p.m.

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Carbon order
Pre-Meor
Post-Meor
Figure 32: MEOR, Geochemical Signature (Barrancas Oil, Vertical Completion)
20 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ SPE 53715

Viscosity vs Temperature
1500

Viscosity [mpa.s] vs. shear rate [1/s] 100 Reservoir_temperature

500

450 1 5
T3, 350
400 Field 1000

Viscosidad (mPa.s)
350
Viscosity [mpa.s]

300
Control
250

200 500
Lab Inference
150

100
50
10
50 T5, Field
0
0 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
0 5 10 15
Temperatura (F. deg.)
Shear rate [1/s]
Control, Pre-Meor
Control at Low Shear Rate (Pre-Meor) Control, Pre-Meor (duplicate)
Lab biodegradated (Pre-Meor inference) In-Vitro biodegradation, Pre-Meor Lab Inference
Lab biodegradated (Pre-Meor inference, duplicate) Post-Meor (after third treatment), field sample
Post-Meor (after fifth treament) Post-Meor (after third treatment), duplicate
Post-Meor (after fifth treatment), field sample
Post-Meor (after third treatment)
Post-Meor (after fifth treatment), duplicate

Figure 33: Rheological Signature, PC- 1020 H

Figure 34: Pour and Cloud Point alteration, PC- 1020 H

Viscosity [mpa.s] vs. shear rate [1/s] Viscosity vs Temperature

500 2000

450 1 92 Reservoir_temperature
400 350

350
Viscosity [mpa.s]

1500
300
Viscosidad (mPa.s)

250
200

150 1000

100
50
0 500 340
0 1 2 3
Shear rate [1/s] 180

Control at Low Shear Rate (Pre-Meor)

Lab biodegradated (Pre-Meor inference)
0
Lab biodegradated (Pre-Meor inference, duplicate) 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Post-Meor (after fifth treament) Temperatura (F. deg.)
Post-Meor (after third treatment)
Control, Pre-Meor
Figure 35: Rheological Signature, PC-19 (Vertical) In-Vitro biodegradation, Pre-Meor Lab Inference
Post-Meor (after third treatment), field sample
Post-Meor (after third treatment), duplicate
Post-Meor (after fifth treatment), field sample
Post-Meor (after fifth treament), duplicate

Figure 36: Pour and Cloud Point alteration, PC- 19 (Vertical)

SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 21

Piedras Coloradas Field Piedras Coloradas Field

PC-1020 (Horizontal) PC-19

Production Data (April 97) Production Data (April 97)

SRP lifting device SRP lifting device
Oil: 8.8 M3/D Oil: 2.3 M3/D
Water Cut: 64 % Water Cut: 86 %
GOR < 100 GOR < 100

Tbg. 2 7/8" - J55 - 6.5 lb/ft Tbg. 2 7/8" - J55 - 6.5 lb/ft

Csg. 7"- J55 - 23 lb/ft.

Csg. 7"- J55 - 23 lb/ft.

Dynamic
Fluid Level
(1818 M)
Dynamic
Fluid Level
Pump Intake (1473 M)
(2008.6 M)
Anchor 7" x 5"
Barrancas Fm.
Slotted liner 5"- 15 lb/ft. Pump Intake
(2093.6 M) 2009/2127 M
Rio Blanco Fm.
SBHT: 170 F
2059 - 2672 (T.D.) M SBHP: 498 psi
Horizontal lenght 500 M SBHT: 180 F
SBHP: 1560 psi 2126 M

Figure 37: Horizontal completion and extractive system Figure 38: Vertical Completion and extractive system

100000

Cl PC-7
Na
PC-13
Concentrations in mg/liter

10000

C O 3C a PC-68
Ca
1000 PC-86

C O 3H PC-19
100 PC-94

SO 4 PC-1020
10 PC-1022
PH
Mg T-80
1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

FIgure39: Formation Water, Typical Ionic Pattern

22 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ SPE 53715

Step 01 Step 02
Blending formulation by diluting microbial cultures in Microbial blending injection by annulus (1 to 2 BPM)
formation water
Piedras Coloradas Field
PC-1020
A B

Positive
Blending area displacement
pump

Piedras Coloradas Field

Prod#1 PC-1020 (Horizontal)
Tbg. 2 7/8" - J55 - 6.5 lb/ft

Prod#4

Microbial concentrates
(From five gallons drums) Csg. 7"- J55 - 23 lb/ft.
References

Prod#5 Produced fluids

Dynamic
Fluid Level Displacement water
(1818 M)
Retrievable Packer Microbial Blend

Prod#6 Pump Intake

(2008.6 M)
Anchor 7" x 5"

A B Slotted liner
5"- 15 lb/ft.
Rio Blanco Fm.

2059 - 2672 (T.D.) M

Formation water Formation water SBHT: 180 F
used for blending used for displacement Horizontal lenght 500 M
(150 bbls.) (Variable from well to well) SBHP: 1560 psi

Step 03 Step 04 Step 05

Low Rate Squeeze into formation Shut-in period
(latency) Well is restablished to production
using standard pulling operation
The well is
closed during 72 hours.
A B

Positive
displacement Oil
pump Water
Gas
Closed

Tbg. 2 7/8" - J55 - 6.5 lb/ft Tbg. 2 7/8" - J55 - 6.5 lb/ft Tbg. 2 7/8" - J55 - 6.5 lb/ft

Csg. 7"- J55 - 23 lb/ft. Csg. 7"- J55 - 23 lb/ft. Csg. 7"- J55 - 23 lb/ft.

Dynamic
Fluid Level
Retrievable Packer Retrievable Packer

Pump Intake

Anchor 7" x 5" Anchor 7" x 5"

Critical Penetration Radii Slotted liner
according with Kv/Kh 5"- 15 lb/ft.
Rio Blanco Fm. permeabilities ratio

Figure 40: Operative Procedure used to Inoculate Horizontal Wells (Initial Treatment), PC-1020 H
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 23

Step 01 Step 02
Blending formulation diluting microbial cultures in Microbial blending injection by annulus (1 to 2 BPM)
formation water
Piedras Coloradas Field
PC-19
A B

Positive
Blending area displacement
pump

Prod#1

SRP lifting device

Prod#4

Microbial concentrates
(From five gallons drums)

Tbg. 2 7/8" - J55 - 6.5 lb/ft

Prod#5

Csg. 7"- J55 - 23 lb/ft.

Prod#6

Dynamic
Fluid Level
A B (1473 M)

Barrancas Fm.
Peforated interval
Formation water Formation water Pump Intake 2009/2127 M
used for blending used for displacement (2093.6 M)
(20 to 50 bbls.) (Variable from well to well) SBHT: 170 F
SBHP: 498 psi

2126 M

Step 03 Step 04 Step 05

Low Rate Gravity Displacement into formation Shut-in period Well is restablished to production
(latency)

The well is
closed during 24 hours. References
A B
Produced fluids
Displacement water
Positive Microbial Blend
displacement
pump

Oil
Water
Gas

Static
Fluid Level

Dynamic
Fluid Level

Barrancas Fm.
Peforated interval

Critical Radius
2126 M 2126 M 2126 M

Figure 41: Operative Procedure used to Inoculate Vertical Wells (Initial and Periodic Treatment), PC-19 V
24 M. A MAURE, F. L. DIETRICH, V. A. DIAZ, H. ARGAÑARAZ SPE 53715

Viscosity [mpa.s] vs. shear rate [1/s]

Annex A 60

57 1 5
TMD
control minSR control maxSR
µapp µapp 54 control
NI µapp
inoculated minSR inoculted maxSR 51 i
µapp µapp

Viscosity [mpa.s]
48
TMD
maxSR maxSR 45
control inoculated
µapp µapp
i i 42
i = minSR i = minSR
DV
maxSR 39
control
µapp
i 36
i = minSR
inoculated
33
µapp
1 i
EOR 30
(1 DV ) 0 5 10 15
minSR Shear rate [1/s] maxSR
SRi
1+
Where: 2+
3
NI Newtonian Index 4
5
DV Delta Viscosity 6
Enhanced Oil Recovery index BB
EOR
Control
minSR Minimum explored Shear Rate, [1/sec]
maxSR Maximum explored Shear Rate, [1/sec] Figure 42: Methodology to analize MEOR microbial
subcommunities (1 to 6, BB) in oils
control
minSR Apparent viscosity measured at min Tg2
µapp
SR on control oil Viscosity vs Temperature
2000
control Apparent viscosity measured at SR (i )
µapp on control oil 92 Reservoir_temperature
i
inoculated Apparent viscosity measured at SR (i )
µapp on inoculated oil
i 1500

TMD Temperature of Maximun Discrimination

Rcontrol
Viscosidad (mPa.s)

of rheological properties
1000

500 R5 R3 340

Ts 180

tg1
0
80 100 120 140 160 180 200
TMD Temperatura (F. deg.)

Control, Pre-Meor
In-Vitro biodegradation, Pre-Meor Lab Inference
Post-Meor (after third treatment), field sample
Post-Meor (after third treatment), duplicate
Post-Meor (after fifth treatment), field sample
Post-Meor (after fifth treament), duplicate

Figure 43: Compositional changes in treated (lab, field) and

untreated samples (control). Rcontrol, R3 and R5 are indicators of
molecular homogeneity, Ts is the shift in precipitation points.
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 25

Annex B Radial model case with:

A
Qmeor MEOR t ti Elapset time from
t
i i B C .D .P .ζ .δ MEOR start [days]
t t
i i
Pe Pwfmeor t
i
MEOR t
i Qo t
i Associated equations
Pe Pwf t etv
i A 1 ξ
etv
where: B t 1 RDie t
i i

etmv
C t 1 RDiw t
Qo t
Declined oil production i i
i (convtentional), [BOPD] etmv
D ξ
Qmeor t Enhanced oil production
λ
i [BOPD] β
P ν.
η .Factor
Pwf t , Pwfmeor t Dynamics pressures, [psi]
i i Ktmv
δ
Pe Static reservoir pressure, [psi] Ktv
1 ntv
ζ
1 ntmv

2 .10
6
Factor Scale factor
24.3600. π
Qo (ti), Qw(ti), Qg(ti)

Sw,So
Swirr, Sor
Rm, R(ti) Rw Kro,Krw,Kabs
Ø
Vertical Section
PC-68, PC-19
(Barrancas Fm.) h
PC-86, PC-94
(Rio Blanco Fm)

Re Ktv,ntv
Ktmv,ntmv
Effective Lenght, L

Kv

Kh

Horizontal Section, PC-1020, PC-1022, Rio Blanco Fm.

Figure 44: Simplified diagram showing completions and colonized zones (bioreactors) coupled with untreated outer areas
26 DIETRICH F.A., MAURE M.A, DIAZ V.A., ARGAÑARAZ H. SPE 53715

Annex C

Geochemical Methods and instrumentation

Fractionation by Liquid Chromatography: Asphaltenes are

precipitated with hexane and soluble fraction is separated into
saturate hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons and resins/NSO
compounds on a silica column by successive elutions with
hexane, benzene, and benzene-methanol. The solvents are
evaporated and weight percent of each fraction is determined.

Gas Chromatography (GC): The whole oil is analyzed with

a Varian model 3300 gas chromatograph fitted with a 50 m
fused silica capillary column. Analytical data are processed
with a Nelson Analytical Model 3000 chromatography data
system.

Very High Resolution C7 Gas Chromatography: A sample

of oil is injected directly into a Varian model 3400 gas
chromatograph fitted with a split injector and a Quadrex 100
meter fused silica capillary column. The GC run is isothermal
at 35°C while collecting the data from C2 – C8 , then heated to
purge the remaining sample from the column. Analytical data
are processed with a Nelson Analytical model 3000
chromatographic data system and IBM computer hardware.

Biomarker Analysis (GC-MS): The saturate or aromatic

fractions separated by liquid chromatography from whole oils
or source rocks extracts are injected into a HP5890 gas
chromatograph coupled to the HP5971A MSD. The Selected
Ion Monitoring (SIM) capabilities of the computer data
acquisition system permit specific ions to be monitored. Ion
m/z = 191 allows characterization of specific saturate
triterpenoid compounds and m/z = 217 certain saturate
steranes. The ions m/z = 253 and 231 are respectively specific
for mono and triaromatic steroids; m/z = 156 and 170, for C2–
naphthalenes; m/z = 178 and 192, for phenanthrene and
methylphenanthrenes, respectively; m/z = 184 and 198, for
dibenzothiophene and methyldibenzothiophene, respectively.
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 27

Nomenclature Pe = static reservoir pressure, [psi]

Qmeor(ti ) = oil rate after MEOR, [m3]
ψ = anisotropy factor
Qo(ti ) = oil rate before MEOR, [m3]
µ k = apparent viscosity based on Ostwald de Waele
Nutting rheological model, [cp] R(ti ) = migration radius at time ti , [m]
α = apparent viscosity relationship after and before RDie(ti ) = instantaneous migration radius at time ti to
MEOR evaluated at 1 sec –1 (shear rate), [cp]
drainage radius, dimensionless
µapp = apparent viscosity, [cp]
RDiw(ti ) = instantaneous migration radius at time ti to
β = beta parameter as function of total well
wellbore radius, dimensionless
production (QT), water cut (Wc) and poral
Re = drainage radius, [m]
volume, [days]
Rm = radius of microbial bioreactor (size of colonized
λ = derived rheological parameter, dimensionless
zone) [m]
ν = perforated interval (h) to drainage radius (Re) Rw = wellbore radius, [m]
coefficient, dimensionless Rwhoriz = equivalent wellbore radius, horizontal well, [m]
η = perforated interval (h) to mean poral radius Sirr = irreductible water saturation
(Dpmic), dimensionless Sor = residual oil saturation
ξ = wellbore radius (Rw) to drainage radius (Re) SR = shear rate, [1/s]
coefficient, dimensionless TMD = Temperature of Maximum Discrimination of
ζ = conventional to enhanced rheological parameter, rheological properties, [° F]
dimensionless V p = poral volume at drainage radius (Re), net pay (h)
δ = conventional to enhanced rheological parameter, and porosity (Por), [m3]
dimensionless Vrest = restricted Microbial Migration Velocity, [m/day]
ε = reservoir Microbial Migration Efficiency Vfree = unrestricted Microbial Migration Velocity,
(RMME), dimensionless [m/day]
A,B,C,D = intermediate variables, dimensionless
Bo = volume factor, [std m3/reservoir m3]
Dpmic = mean poral throat diameter, [µm] Subscripts
DV = Delta Viscosity index control = original sample condition (pre MEOR)
EOR = EOR index e = natural logarithms base, 2.7172...
etmv = derived rheological parameter, dimensionless h = horizontal.
etv = derived rheological parameter, dimensionless i = data point, spatial reference
Factor = scale factor m = microbial enhanced
GOR = gas oil relationship, [m3/ m3] max = maximum
h(h) = effective interval, [m] min = minimum
K = absolute permeability, [md] o = original
Kh = horizontal permeability, [md] t = time
Kr = relative permeability, dimensionless v = vertical
Ktmv,Ktv = first Ostwald de Waele Nutting rheological x = direction along well axis
parameters, after MEOR (Krmv) to conventional y = direction perpendicular to well axis
(Ktv), [cp.(1/s)(ntv-1)]
Kv = vertical permeability, [md]
L = effective lenght, horizontal well, [m]
maxSR =maximum explored Shear Rate, [1/s]
MEOR(ti ) = productivity index ratio, MEOR performance
index, dimensionless
Mf = rotational to capillary geometry correction factor
minSR =minimun explored Shear Rate, [1/s]
NI = Newtonian index
ntmv,ntv= second Ostwald de Waele Nutting rheological
parameters, after MEOR (ntmv) to conventional
(ntv), dimensionless
P = derived scaling group
pwf = dynamic pressure before MEOR, [psi]
pwfmeor = dynamic pressure after MEOR, [psi]
28 DIETRICH F.A., MAURE M.A, DIAZ V.A., ARGAÑARAZ H. SPE 53715

Equations R(t i ) = (1 − eVrest .t i ).Rm ..........................................(Eq. 17)

Qmeor(ti )
Pe − Pwfmeor(ti ) β=
Vp
..................................................(Eq. 19)
MEOR(Ti ) = .............................. (Eq. 1) QT .(1 − Wc )
Qo (ti )
Pe − Pwf ( ti ) π
Vp = h. Re 2 .Por ................................................(Eq. 20)
4

h
MEOR( ti ) =
A
........................... (Eq. 2) v= ..................................................................(Eq. 21)
B(ti ) − C (ti ) .D.P.ζ .δ Re

L
v= ..................................................................(Eq. 22)
K h = K x .K y ....................................................... (Eq. 3) Re

2.h
Kh η= ...................................................(Eq. 23)
ψ= .................................................................. (Eq. 4) Dpmic.10 −6
Kv

Rw
Rwhoriz =
Rw
.(1 + ψ ) ........................................ (Eq. 5) ξ= .................................................................(Eq. 24)
2 Re

R ( ti )
h( h ) = h ψ ............................................................. (Eq. 6) Rdiw(ti ) = .....................................................(Eq. 25)
Rw
A = 1 − ξ etv ............................................................. (Eq. 7) R ( ti )
Rdie(ti ) = ......................................................(Eq. 26)
Re
B(ti ) = 1 − ( RDie( ti ) ) etv
............................................ (Eq. 8)
µ k = Ktv.( SRk ) ( ntv −1) .............................................(Eq. 27)
C (ti ) = 1 − ( RDiw(ti ) ) etmv
......................................... (Eq. 9)
λ = ntv − ntmv ......................................................(Eq. 28)
D =ξ etmv
.............................................................. (Eq. 10)
etv = 1 − ntv ..........................................................(Eq. 29)
β etmv = 1 − ntmv .....................................................(Eq. 30)
P = (v. ) λ ................................................ (Eq. 11)
η. factor
3.ntmv + 1 ntmv
Mf = ( ) ...........................................(Eq. 31)
λ 4.ntmv
Ktmv
δ = ........................................................... (Eq. 12)
Ktv
( µapp control ) min SR − ( µapp control ) max SR
NI = ( ) TMD
1 − ntv ( µapp inoculated min SR
) − ( µapp inoculated max SR
)
ζ = ......................................................... (Eq. 13)
1 − ntmv
...............................................................................(Eq. 32)
2.10 −6
Factor = ............................................ (Eq. 14) max SR max SR
24.3600.π
∑ ( µapp i ) control − ∑ (µapp ) i
inoculated

DV = ( i = min SR max SR
i = min SR
) TMD

µappm ∑ (µapp ) i
control

α= .......................................................... (Eq. 15) i = min SR

µappo ......................................................................................(Eq.33)

Vrest 1
ε= .............................................................. (Eq. 16) EOR = .....................................................(Eq. 34)
Vfree 1 − DV
SPE 53715 MICROBIAL ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY PILOT TEST IN PIEDRAS COLORADAS FIELD, ARGENTINA 29