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Lucas Evangelista

ENZYME ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY (EEOR), THE TECHNOLOGY PRINCIPLE

Updated: Apr 30, 2020

The innovative technology is based on a water soluble inert liquid enzyme concentrate with unique properties to interact in a catalytic fashion with hydrocarbons. GreenZyme® is made using oil loving microbes where the oil digesting property is neutralized, and the ability to attach to and release hydrocarbons is kept.

The enzymatic function of GreenZyme® is due to the fact that the enzymes seek and release the oil, however is NOT consumed in the releasing mechanism. After the release of hydrocarbons the enzymes will be attached to the solid surfaces and be dissolved in the water phase in the reservoir.


Accordingly, the enzymes are continuously available to interact with new hydrocarbons and continue to cause the release of oil.

ENZYME ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY (EEOR),THE TECHNOLOGY PRINCIPLE
GreenZyme time lapse effect on crude mobilization from substrate

GreenZyme® CATALYZES REACTIONS IN THE RESERVOIR BETWEEN

THE OIL, WATER, AND THE ROCK SURFACE.

An oil wet system is characterized by the major part of the rock surface being covered by oil. The oil releasing principle of the enzymes in such a system is due to the biological nature and catalytic action of the enzymes. It is very different from surfactants and microbes that are being used for EOR.

When the enzyme-water solution replaces the water phase in the system, the solid surfaces also become wetted by the enzyme-water solution. This drastically reduces the surface tension between oil and the water phase. In time, the enzyme will cause the release of oil droplets from the parent oil globule making the oil globule subject to be pushed out of the pore in the direction of flow.

The well stimulation process with the enzyme technology is very simple. Since the enzymes are not consumed in the oil releasing process, they continue to act in low concentrations and as long hydrocarbons are present. The effect of the treatment enzymes could last for years. Ultimately, oil well stimulation with this technology is economically extremely favorable to end users!

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