Materials and Methods for Extended Reduction of Heavy Crude Oil Viscosity
The present invention provides environmentally-friendly compositions and methods for reducing the viscosity of crude oil using a mixture of microorganisms and/or metabolites produced by microorganisms The compositions and methods provide for efficient reduction in the viscosity of heavy crude oils, which, advantageously, endures for extended periods of time.
1 . A composition for reducing the viscosity of oil, wherein the composition comprises one or more microorganisms and/or microbial growth by-products produced by the microorganisms, wherein said microorganisms are selected from Pichia occidentalis. Pichia kudriavzevii, Trichoderma spp., and Cronobacter spp.
2 . (canceled)
3 . The composition of claim 1 , comprising a strain of Pichia occidentalis that has enhanced enzymatic activity and viscosity-reducing capabilities, or a growth product thereof.
4 . The composition of claim 1 , comprising a Trichoderma spp. fungus, or a growth product thereof.
5 . The composition of claim 4 , wherein the Trichoderma spp. fungus is T. harzianum.
6 . The composition of claim 1 , comprising a Cronobacter spp. bacterium or a growth product thereof.
7 . The composition of claim 6 , wherein Cronobacter spp. bacterium is Cronobacter sakazakii.
8 . The composition of claim 1 , comprising a mixture of Pichia occidentalis, Trichoderma harzianum, and Cronobacter sakazakii, and/or growth products thereof.
9 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the microbial growth by-products comprise one or more of: biosurfactants, enzymes and solvents.
10 . The composition of claim 1 , further comprising an organic solvent.
11 . The composition of claim 10 , wherein the organic solvent is primary amyl acetate.
12 . A method for reducing the viscosity of heavy oil, the method comprising applying a composition oc claim 1 to the oil or to an oil recovery site containing heavy oil.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein applying the composition comprises injecting the composition into a wellbore, flowline, or oil tank.
14 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising administering nutrients for microbial growth.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the nutrients comprise sources of nitrogen, nitrate, phosphorus, magnesium and/or carbon.
16 . The method of claim 12 , used to improve oil transmission through an oil field pipe line, tank, casing, tubing, rod, pump, and/or wellbore.
17 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the composition is produced on-site at a distance not more than 50 miles from the site at which it is used.
18 . The method of claim 12 , further comprising the step of subjecting the oil to cavitation.