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Preservative Biocide Selection and Performance in High Pressure High Temperature Bioreactors using a Thermophilic, Hydraulic-Fracturing Relevant Culture

Biocides are used in hydraulic fracturing operations to control the growth of contaminant microorganisms that lead to corrosion, souring, and conductivity loss.1,2 A variety of biocides are utilized and can be classified by mechanism of action, speed of kill, and the length of residual activity.
In general, rapid-acting biocides such as chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and DBNPA (2,2-dibromo-3- nitrilopropionamide) inactivate bacteria quickly but have little to no residual activity. Glutaraldehyde (Glut) reacts more slowly and provides some residual activity, particularly at lower wellbore or reservoir temperatures.

Product Number: 51323-18967-SG
Author: Ethan Solomon, Philip Maun, Veronica Silva, and Ken Wunch
Publication Date: 2023
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In this study, we report the use of high temperature, high pressure bioreactors operated at 60 oC to measure biocide activity using a culture dominated by Thermoanaerobacter brockii, a thermophilic, thiosulfate-reducing organism isolated from produced water in the Anadarko basin. Reactors were prepared and operated as previously described. Two preservative biocides known for their endurance were selected for initial studies: 4,4-dimethyloxazolidine (DMO) and tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane (THNM). Reactors were filled, inoculated, then locked in for 21 days with 76 parts per million (active ingredient) DMO or THNM. Biocide concentrations were selected based on previous field and laboratory experience. Souring was assessed by measuring levels of hydrogen sulfide. Bacterial levels were measured by ATP and most probable number (MPN).

In this study, we report the use of high temperature, high pressure bioreactors operated at 60 oC to measure biocide activity using a culture dominated by Thermoanaerobacter brockii, a thermophilic, thiosulfate-reducing organism isolated from produced water in the Anadarko basin. Reactors were prepared and operated as previously described. Two preservative biocides known for their endurance were selected for initial studies: 4,4-dimethyloxazolidine (DMO) and tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane (THNM). Reactors were filled, inoculated, then locked in for 21 days with 76 parts per million (active ingredient) DMO or THNM. Biocide concentrations were selected based on previous field and laboratory experience. Souring was assessed by measuring levels of hydrogen sulfide. Bacterial levels were measured by ATP and most probable number (MPN).