Biosurfactants and Its Application in Oil Recovery

Abstract

This chapter discusses about the application and potential role of biosur-factants in oil recovery technology. The mechanism of mobilizing of trapped crude oil within the pores of reservoir rocks has been discussed on the basis of reduction of interfacial tension (IFT), wettability alteration, emulsion formation, and biodegra-dation of oil. In situ production and ex situ injection of biosurfactants for different suitable microbial strains have been reviewed and laboratory based evaluation of microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) have been discussed. Internationally major field trials of MEOR by worlds leading oil producing nations have been reported. Thus, this chapter tries to concentrate on nearly all the concern issues about the past, latest trends and potential aspects of biosurfactants applications in oil recovery.