Xanthan production by a native strain of X. campestris and evaluation of application in EOR

Abstract

In this study, we used a native strain of X. campestris for xanthan production in lab-scale fermentor and the product was recovered with organic solvents and dried. Then we studied the potential usage of our products in different harsh conditions, including heat, pH and salinity treatments. Furthermore, we used 2D-micromodel for microbial oil recovery investigations. According to present experiments, temperature and salt contents did not have a significant influence on rheological behavior of xanthan solutions and these aqueous solutions maintained at least 80% of their primary viscosity. In addition, these solutions were resistant to a broad range of pH variations. Viscosity of the xanthan solution was increased as it was heated over 120°C. Micro-model experiments showed that the most efficient concentration of xanthan for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) is 1000 mg L-1 and 53% of original oil in place was recovered, which showed remarkable increase comparing to original oil in place that was recovered (31%) from sole water flooding. The same or even better results were obtained from native xanthan, when its properties were compared to those of a commercial sample which was gifted by NIOC.