Elastic-wave stimulation of oil production; a review of methods and results

Abstract Numerous observations accumulated principally during the last 40 years show that seismic waves generated from earthquakes and cultural noise may alter water and oil production. In some cases wave excitation may appreciably increase the mobility of fluids. The effect of elastic waves on the permeability of saturated rock has been confirmed in numerous laboratory experiments. Two related applications have arisen from these findings. In the first application, high-power ultrasonic waves are applied for downhole cleaning of the near-wellbore in producing formations that exhibit declining production as a result of the deposition of scales and precipitants, mud penetration, etc. In many cases, ultrasound effectively removes the barriers to oil flow into the well. The ultrasonic method is reported to be successful in 40-50 percent of the cases studied. In the case of successful treatment, the effect of improved permeability may last up to several months. Whereas this method has a very local effect, a second application is used to stimulate the reservoir as a whole. Here seismic frequency waves are applied at the earth's surface by arrays of vibroseis-type sources. This method has produced promising results; however, further testing and understanding of the mechanisms are necessary.