Using downhole vibration stimulation for enhanced oil recovery

As some operators report production increases, further field tests are warranted for an emerging technology that improves EOR through seismic stimulation

Oct. 2001 Vol. 222 No. 10
Feature Article

WELL COMPLETION

Using downhole vibration stimulation for enhanced oil recovery

There is interest in furthering EOR via seismic stimulation, but the record so far is muddled. However, with some operators reporting production increases, this emerging technology is worthy of further field testing

R. V. Westermark, Seismic Recovery LLC; J. F. Brett, Oil and Gas Consultants Int’l.; and D. R. Maloney, Phillips Petroleum

Improving oil recovery through vibration has long been investigated. This article reviews the background for this new technology, along with the project rationale, design considerations and measurements performed in advance of a downhole vibration-stimulation field test. This field test will investigate the potential of downhole vibration to enhance oil recovery from a shallow oilfield in Osage County, Oklahoma. The project is supported by the Department of Energy (DOE), Seismic Recovery LLC, Phillips Petroleum Co. and Grand Resources, Inc.

Recent literature has reported successful vibration stimulation in shallow reservoirs with high water / oil ratios (WORs). Like many areas of the U.S., Osage County has numerous old fields under waterflood, with many wells producing marginal oil with substantial water production.


	This article was adapted from a professional society paper for which World Oil was granted the right to print one time only. Therefore, to review the article, you should refer to the actual World Oil magazine in which it originally appeared.

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