Enhancing the effects of a low-pressure zone surrounding a well bore via radial drilling by increasing the contact zone for resident microbial enhanced oil recovery

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method of increasing low pressure zones for microbial enhanced oil recovery through radially drilled narrow, high surface area bore holes around a well bore. A drill string is inserted into the well bore and is thereafter directed horizontally and perpendicularly from the well bore by a tool at the end of the radial drill to create the narrow, high surface area bore holes. These bore holes extend through surface materials including pipes, casings, cement, rock material and the like. The drill is then rotated a distance about the well bore. The process may then be repeated to create bore sets positioned below or above one another relative to a pay zone. The process lowers the pressure gradient along a skin around the well bore and a larger surface area extending away from the well bore to create a larger oil drainage and microbial interaction area. The invention further includes injecting a nutrient package formulated to activate resident microbes such that the microbial morphology is physically changed which in turn increases the relative permeability of the oil, water, and rock interaction thereby enhancing overall oil production and recovery.