US4300632A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method for increasing the pressure in oil-bearing geological structures
Assignee: Chemical Dynamics Sweden AB
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Filing: 1979-10-17
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Granted: 1981-11-17
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Expires: 1999-10-17
Abstract
Abstract A method for increasing pressure in geological oil-bearing structures by gas production due to microbial activity comprising adding to a geological oil-bearing structure, an aneorobic micro-organism (Methanobacterium Termoautotroficum), a culture medium and formic acid. The formic acid is converted to carbon dioxide and methane gases resulting in increased pressure in the structures.
Inventors
- 👤 Lars I. Wiberger
- 👤 Peter H. Ronnow
- 👤 Per F. Tengblad
- 👤 Bert G. H. Hellman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 12:56
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/60; C09K8/84; C09K8/86; C09K8/88; C09K8/90; C09K8/905
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A method for increasing pressure in geological oil-bearing structures by gas production due to microbial activity, said method comprising adding to a geological oil-bearing structure an aneorobic micro-organism, a culture medium and formic acid such that the formic acid is converted to carbon dioxide and methane gases resulting in increased pressure in said structure, said aneorobic microorganism being Methanobacterium Termoautotroficum.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
60 words
A method for increasing pressure in geological oil-bearing structures by gas production due to microbial activity, said method comprising adding to a geological oil-bearing structure an aneorobic micro-organism, a culture medium and formic acid such that the formic acid is converted to carbon dioxide and methane gases resulting in increased pressure in said structure, said aneorobic microorganism being Methanobacterium Termoautotroficum.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising adding additional formic acid during cultivation to maintain the pH at between 7 and 8.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cultivation and gas production take place in said structure at 35°-100° C. and a pressure of at least 20 atm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 comprising regulating the velocity of introduction of formic acid to control the pressure in said structure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3185216A
Cited
US3335798A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-11-16 | 1985-05-18 | 1985-11-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-11-16 | 1989-05-18 | 1989-11-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-11-16 | 1993-05-18 | 1993-11-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |