Using downhole vibration stimulation for enhanced oil recovery
WELL COMPLETIONUsing downhole vibration stimulation for enhanced oil recoveryThere 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 testingR. V. Westermark, Seismic Recovery LLC; J. F. Brett, Oil and Gas Consultants Intl.; 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.
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