Methods for monitoring bacteria using opticoanalytical devices

Abstract

In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. Specifically, bacteria can be monitored in fluids using opticoanalytical devices. The methods can comprise exposing water to a bactericidal treatment, and after exposing the water to the bactericidal treatment, monitoring live bacteria in the water using an opticoanalyfical device that is in optical communication with the water. Optionally, the water can be introduced into a subterranean formation.

1 . A method comprising:
 monitoring bacteria in water using a first opticoanalytical device that is in optical communication with the water.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the water is flowing through a flow pathway while monitoring the bacteria takes place. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 exposing the water to a bactericidal treatment; and   after exposing the water to the bactericidal treatment, monitoring live bacteria in the water using the first opticoanalytical device or a second opticoanalytical device that is in optical communication with the water.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 determining a kill ratio for the bacteria affected by the bactericidal treatment,   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the bactericidal treatment is selected from the group consisting of exposure to ultraviolet light, introduction of a chemical biocide, ozonolysis, electrocoagulation, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein monitoring the live bacteria in the water comprises monitoring the types of bacteria, the quantity of bacteria, or both. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein monitoring the live bacteria in the water comprises monitoring DNA or RNA of the live bacteria. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the first opticoanalytical device detects and analyzes an emission of fluorescent radiation from the live bacteria. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining if the water is suitable for being introduced into a subterranean formation.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 forming a treatment fluid comprising the water and at least one additional component; and   introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 monitoring the treatment fluid in the subterranean formation using a second opticoanalytical device.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein monitoring the treatment fluid in the subterranean formation comprises monitoring the treatment fluid for live bacteria. 
     
     
         13 . A method comprising:
 providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one additional component;   monitoring live bacteria in the treatment fluid using at least a first opticoanalytical device that is in optical communication with a flow pathway for transporting the treatment fluid; and   introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, after monitoring the live bacteria therein.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein monitoring live bacteria in the treatment fluid comprises monitoring the types of bacteria, the quantity of bacteria, or both. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 determining a bactericidal treatment for the treatment fluid based upon the types of bacteria and the quantity of bacteria therein, as monitored using the first opticoanalytical device; and   performing the bactericidal treatment on the treatment fluid.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein determining a bactericidal treatment for the treatment fluid occurs automatically under computer control. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 after performing the bactericidal treatment on the treatment fluid, monitoring the live bacteria in the treatment fluid using a second opticoanalytical device.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the bactericidal treatment is selected from the group consisting of exposure to ultraviolet light, introduction of a chemical biocide, ozonolysis, electrocoagulation, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the treatment fluid is flowing through the flow pathway while monitoring the live bacteria takes place. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 monitoring the live bacteria in the treatment fluid while the treatment fluid is in the subterranean formation by using a second opticoanalytical device located therein.   
     
     
         21 . A method comprising:
 providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one additional component;   introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and   monitoring live bacteria in the treatment fluid within the subterranean formation using an opticoanalytical device located therein.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 adding a bactericidal agent to the treatment fluid.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising:
 after adding the bactericidal agent, monitoring the live bacteria in the treatment fluid within the subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical device.