Anolyte and Catholyte solutions have been used for stimulation and enhancement of oil and gas production and improving the performance of drilling fluids. Anolyte is a highly effective alternative to bactericides that are non-biodegradable or bio-accumulative. As a bactericide, Anolyte is selective, targeting bacteria responsible for microbial-induced corrosion and slime while not harmful to humans. Catholyte has been used to replace diesel oil as a cleaning solution for drill bits and tools on site.
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Anolyte solutions can enhance production from wells that have been impacted by down-hole growth of bacteria, and other micro-organisms, by killing the bacteria and removing the restrictive biomass. Water used for the fracturing of oil and gas wells can be treated to manage bacteria, protect fracturing fluids and gels, and ensure polymer and improved performance. Anolyte solutions remove scale and slime build-up from pipes. Cooling water systems can be kept free of biomass, improving heat exchange values and eliminating corrosion caused by microbial-induced corrosion (MIC). The produced water may be treated before being revised in stimulation fluids or water floods. Recent data collected from field operations where frac water was treated with anolyte shows that the bacteria levels in the frac water were reduced below the threshold level that would adversely impact stimulation fluids and gels.
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Catholyte has been shown to reduce the surface tension of water substantially and can be used to condition water used to stimulate well production. Anolyte has some catholyte properties and, being a biocide, is a surfactant itself to some extent. The use of anolyte and catholyte at the oil rigs results in more oil using low-cost and environmentally friendly ingredients. In addition, Anolyte prevents microbial contamination of downhole injection of water during recovery and reduces the need for traditional disinfection chemicals, which can be expensive, highly toxic, and potentially hazardous for transporting and storing.