Increased oil and gas production using elastic-wave stimulation
US5950726A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V1/137
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus and method for increasing subterranean fluid production are disclosed. A downhole stimulation apparatus produces elastic wave energy which propagates into the subterranean strata of nearby fluid fields. The wave energy creates gravity separation of the fluids, altering the phase permeability of subterranean formations and causing the fluid to migrate to wells in the field being stimulated. The stimulation apparatus employs an underground casing which provides a sealed vessel in which is supported a tubing string. The casing and tubing string are filled with a working fluid. A pumping unit reciprocates a plunger within the tubing string to cyclically pressurize and depressurize the working fluid, the depressurization of working fluid creating the elastic wave energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.