Microbially Mediated Porosity Enhancement in Carbonate Reservoirs: Experiments with Samples from the Salem, Sligo, and Smackover Formations

Author

Melody Roy Coffey

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Kirkland, Brenda L.

Committee Member

Lynch, F. Leo

Committee Member

Brown, Lewis R.

Date of Degree

12-11-2004

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Geology

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

This study used petrographic thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser microscopy to document microbially mediated dissolution of carbonate reservoir rocks. The samples studied came from three carbonate units that are hydrocarbon reservoirs; the Salem, Sligo, and Smackover formations. These samples were inoculated with bacteria, and then treated with nutrient solutions followed by ethanol to promote generation of acetic acid by bacteria. Dissolution occurred in calcite-dominated rocks and in dolomitized rocks. Noticeable changes first occurred after nine weeks of ethanol treatment and significant change only occurred after twelve weeks of ethanol treatment. The size of the vuggy pores created increased from 1 µm or less to over 5 µm, and rarely over 10 µm, in length.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/19473

Comments

MEOR||limestone||dissolution||permeability

Recommended Citation

Coffey, Melody Roy, "Microbially Mediated Porosity Enhancement in Carbonate Reservoirs: Experiments with Samples from the Salem, Sligo, and Smackover Formations" (2004). Theses and Dissertations. 3083.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/3083