What We Can Learn From the Microbes in Oil Fields
Dec, 02 2019
Geert van der Kraan
Research Scientist, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences
Microbial life is often a problem in oil fields, producing toxic chemicals and corroding steel pipes and tanks. Microbe detective Geert van der Kraan shares how we can transform this challenge into a solution by studying the clues these microbes leave behind. By tracking the presence and activity of microbes, we can see deep within these undergrounds fields, helping us create safer and smoother production processes.
“There are things we can learn from the microorganisms that call oil fields their homes, making oil field operations just a little cleaner. Who knows what other secrets they may hold for us?”
Geert van der Kraan
Microbe detective
Microbe detective
Geert van der Kraan, a research scientist at DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences business, focuses on the energy industry. He is responsible for the development of next-generation control strategies and biocide formulation testing, holding specific use in the oil and gas industry. Additionally, he is in charge of expanding in-house expertise of molecular biology techniques and capabilities for bio-monitoring purposes at industrial sites and in oil/gas reservoirs.
Want to know more about DuPont Microbial Control?
DuPont Microbial Control is a leading provider of biocide and antimicrobial solutions that control and can help prevent the growth of nuisance and dangerous micro-organisms. Our products and technologies can be found in a wide range of industries. DuPont Microbial Control helps customers to go beyond biocides and ask more of their microbial control solutions.
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In 2018, TED and DuPont began a partnership to do just that: TRANSFORM. As the world and our interactions grow more complex, so do our challenges. To solve for modern problems, we decided to pursue a new framework for innovation itself, one that considers all perspectives and outcomes in the calculus. This inaugural TED@DuPont event signifies a monumental step to unlock the institutional knowledge within the organization and showcase the New DuPont. Taking place in September 2019, at The Fillmore in Philadelphia, the day’s topics ranged from science, technology, and beyond. Photo: Ryan Lash / TED