Profero scientists are world experts on the biodegradation of oil as it occurs naturally in reservoirs. Their breakthroughs in understanding natural methane production reactions form the basis of Profero’s LEMUR™ (Low Emission Microbial Upgrading and Recovery) technology. The premise behind the LEMUR™ technology is to harness and develop the natural biodegradation processes by removing rate- limiting conditions and accelerating hydrocarbon biodegradation. This process is anticipated to increase the recovery of hydrocarbons as methane and additional oil unrecoverable by other methods.

The following diagram illustrates the natural process and represents the framework for how Profero will control the biodegradation acceleration technology.



A deep understanding of this process allowed Profero to develop critical exploration and production applications including:

1. Oil and aqueous geochemical, microbiological and reservoir simulation tools that incorporate biological reaction systems

2. Use of the above tools to identify appropriate oilfields that have active microbial populations carrying out the natural process at the correct stage for intervention

3. Targeting of the appropriate reaction zones

4. Injection of nutrient-containing waters that will accelerate the natural microbial process.

5. Advanced, optimized, controllable, recovery processes