Since November 2019, the Bakken shale play has experienced a decline of 6% annually. In recent years, huff ’n’ puff enhanced-oil-recovery techniques typically were regarded as the most cost-effective methods for unconventional plays. However, novel biotechnology, proven in multiple US basins and expanded to Bakken for the first time in 2021, has shown very promising results. The complete paper provides details of a pilot study conducted on multiple wells showcasing the potential of this approach.
Introduction
Biosurfactants are a class of multifunctional surfactants that are proving effective in oil mobilization because of their complex and unique molecular structures, with multiple active sites and 3-nm micelles, allowing effortless penetration of many of the same pores as CO2. The successful application of biosurfactants has been reported with significant and sustained uplifts in production in the Appalachian, Permian, and Williston Basins.
Well Selection
Reservoir samples were analyzed from three 1-mile horizontal wells in the Middle Bakken: Frink, Woessner, and Neilsen.
