Jaxon Caines, technology reporter, Hart Energy: Why does size matter? Well, because in the oil field, you want to enhance both oil mobility and recovery. When a biosurfactant is smaller, it can move faster. And Locus Bio-Energy's portfolio features biosurfactant products that are 3.1 nanometers. So what does that mean for enhanced oil mobility?
Megan Pearl, vice president of technology, Locus Bio-Energy Solutions: The nanometer size of our biosurfactants means that they are physically able to touch rock and access oil that conventional chemistries can't. They can get into the tiniest of nano fractures and smallest nano pores, ultimately leading to more oil produced. But it also means that they're able to penetrate, disperse and suspend complex molecular structures, meaning that those particles are not going to block flow in any parts of the reservoir. And the surfactants from Locus may be small, but they're mighty, since they're packed with as many chemical components as possible to impact each stage in oil production and maximize recovery from the rock through the fracture, through the fluids and then to the surface.
JC: But it's not enough to enhance oil mobility. You have to maintain oil integrity, but one chemistry doesn't fit all. Chemicals that are used are highly dependent on optimizing the chemical dosage for your selection. Multifunctional, enhanced bio surfactant technology outperforms conventional acidizing solver packers and tackles key challenges in wellbore remediation in a single, sustainable chemical package.
Every Tuesday we drill into the tech that fuels the oil patch. Be the first to watch it with our E&P weekly newsletter.
Recommended Reading
RRC Orders Blackbuck's Disposal Well to Close Over Earthquake Fears
2025-06-19 - The Texas Railroad Commission had called for an emergency suspension of Blackbuck Resources’ water disposal well operations on May 13, after an earthquake with a record 5.4 magnitude struck West Texas 10 days earlier.
BP and Others Pulling Staff from Iraq Oilfields, Output Steady
2025-06-23 - BP, Eni and TotalEnergies have begun evacuating foreign personnel from Iraqi oilfields where they operate, state-run Basra Oil Co. said on June 23.
Segrist: Greenpeace’s Next Move After North Dakota Knock-Down
2025-04-30 - Energy Transfer won a massive lawsuit against the environmental group Greenpeace that will likely change the tactics of future protests.
PwC: Energy Sector Falling Short on Emissions Targets
2025-05-31 - PwC data show the share of energy companies on track for Scope 1 and Scope 2 targets fell to 52% in 2024 from 57% in 2023. Scope 3 saw an even bigger fall, going from 67% to 52%.
US SAF, Biofuels Output Nearly Doubled in Three Months—EIA
2025-05-06 - U.S. production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is growing exponentially as major new projects ramp up.
Comments
Add new comment
This conversation is moderated according to Hart Energy community rules. Please read the rules before joining the discussion. If you’re experiencing any technical problems, please contact our customer care team.