Patent · US Expired

Method for stimulating hydrocarbon production

US6390191B1 · kind B1 · utility

18Cited by
13References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 14, 2000
Grant dateMay 21, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 14, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B43/003
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A system for stimulating the production of hydrocarbon containing substances, such as from oil and gas wells, by the use of a generally cylindrical, high energy producing transducer mechanism. The transducer comprises a series of aligned transducer elements, preferably formed of doped ceramic piezoelectric materials, encased in a housing maintained under controlled pressure by a pressure compensator to equalize the pressure within the housing to that of the surrounding strata containing the hydrocarbon substance. When energized, the respective transducer elements transmit a very narrow, horizontal beam of ultrasonic energy radiating omni directionally, preferably in a narrow band of about 2 to 3°, to thereby focus the energy horizontally for maximum penetration into the surrounding strata.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.