No.4(44),2025 PP.235-250

Neftyanaya provintsiya No. 4(44), 2025

Biogases produced by in situ microbial activity show promise for enhanced oil recovery

L.R. Shaigallyamova, G.G. Kurbanova, A.A. Garipova, I.G. Fattakhov
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25689/NP.2025.4.235-250

Abstract

The paper considers applicability of biogases as microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) method. Particular attention is given to the potential of such technologies in poorly accessible areas where conventional energy sources are unavailable or inefficient. Mechanisms of biogas production are described, particularly under natural conditions and through anaerobic sludge digestion in anaerobic reactors. Examples of successful implementation of such technologies in various fields within and outside the Urals-Volga region are provided. Key factors affecting the efficiency of their operation are also discussed. Biogases, consisting predominantly of methane and carbon dioxide, have high potential for alteration of physical and chemical properties of highly viscous oil. Studies suggest that microbial processes taking place in oil reservoirs can facilitate reduction of oil viscosity and increase in oil mobility, which in turn improves hydrocarbons recovery efficiency. Integration of biogases into field development processes is expected to increase the efficiency of oil production and reduce the environmental impact. The paper also considers the advantages and limitations of this method, prospects for technology evolution and discusses the need for further research and developments aimed at optimization of biogas generation processes and improving its efficiency in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications.

Key words:

enhanced oil recovery methods, biogas, reservoir, highly viscous oil

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Authors

L.R. Shaigallyamova, Engineering Technician, TatNIPIneft Institute – PJSC Tatneft
216, Sovetskaya St., Almetyevsk, 423462, Russian Federation
Е-mail: shaigallyamova@mail.ru

G.G. Kurbanova, Head of Laboratory, TatNIPIneft Institute – PJSC Tatneft
216, Sovetskaya St., Almetyevsk, 423462, Russian Federation
Е-mail: Kurbanova-GG@tatnipi.ru

A.A. Garipova, Research Associate, TatNIPIneft Institute – PJSC Tatneft
216, Sovetskaya St., Almetyevsk, 423462, Russian Federation
Е-mail: GaripovaAygulA@tatnipi.ru

I.G. Fattakhov, Dr.Sc., Director for EOR, Wave Stimulation and Biotechnologies, TatNIPIneft Institute – PJSC Tatneft
216, Sovetskaya St., Almetyevsk, 423462, Russian Federation
Е-mail: Fattakhovig@tatneft.ru

For citation:

L.R. Shaigallyamova, G.G. Kurbanova, A.A. Garipova, I.G. Fattakhov Perspektiva ispol'zovaniya v kachestve metoda uvelicheniya nefteizvlecheniya biogazov, obrazuyushchikhsya v rezul'tate zhiznedeyatel'nosti plastovoy mikroflory [Biogases produced by in situ microbial activity show promise for enhanced oil recovery]. Neftyanaya Provintsiya, No. 4(44), 2025. pp. 235-250. DOI https://doi.org/10.25689/NP.2025.4.235-250. EDN EQWNKO (in Russian)

© Non-governmental organization Volga-Kama Regional Division of the Russian Academy of Natural Science, 2015-2025 All the materials of the journal are available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Biogases produced by in situ microbial activity show promise for enhanced oil recovery L.R. Shaigallyamova, G.G. Kurbanova, A.A. Garipova, I.G. Fattakhov DOI: https://doi.org/10.25689/NP.2025.4.235-250

Key words: enhanced oil recovery methods, biogas, reservoir, highly viscous oil

Biogases produced by in situ microbial activity show promise for enhanced oil recovery

L.R. Shaigallyamova, G.G. Kurbanova, A.A. Garipova, I.G. Fattakhov
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25689/NP.2025.4.235-250

Key words:

enhanced oil recovery methods, biogas, reservoir, highly viscous oil