Composition and methods for microbial enhanced digestion of polymers in fracking wells
The present invention provides environmentally-friendly compositions and methods for degrading polymers used in fracking operations to enhance the recovery of oil and gas. Specifically, the compositions and methods utilized microorganisms and/or heir growth by products to degrade polymers, such as PGA, PLA and PAM, used in fracking wells.
1. A method for degrading polylactic acid (PLA) and/or polyglycolide (PGA) in a fracking well, wherein the method comprises
applying to the well a composition that comprises one or more microorganisms and/or a growth by-product there, and wherein the one or more microorganisms are selected from Starmerella bombicola and Wickerhamomyces anomalus ; and
degrading PLA and/or PGA with the composition in the well.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of applying the composition comprises injecting the composition into the wellbore.
3. The method, according to claim 1 , further comprising administering nutrients and/or enhancers for microbial growth and/or germination.
4. The method, according to claim 1 , further comprising administering a polymer-degrading enzyme selected from pronase and protein K.
5. The method, according to claim 1 , wherein degradation of the PLA and/or PGA opens channels in the fracking well that are clogged by the PLA and/or PGA, thereby enhancing oil recovery from the fracking well.
6. The method, according to claim 1 , wherein the composition is produced via fermentation of a microorganism on-site at a distance not more than 50 miles from the well.