--> Abstract: Seismic Stimulation of Oil Production in Mature Reservoirs, by A. Sharma and P. M. Roberts; #90937 (1998).

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Abstract: Seismic Stimulation of Oil Production in Mature Reservoirs

SHARMA, ARVIND, and PETER M. ROBERTS, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Abstract

Roughly 60% of domestic oil reserves remains unproduced, partially due to limitations in existing EOR methods. Historic field production data and laboratory experiments have suggested that seismic (stress) waves can enhance oil recovery in mature reservoirs. Unfortunately the historic research on this phenomenon is incomplete and has led to field stimulation tests that produced mixed or inconclusive results for demonstrating improved recovery. This is due primarily to the current lack of understanding of the governing physical mechanisms and to the fact that existing empirical laboratory and field experimental data are not comprehensive enough to allow development of a reliable, versatile field application methodology. We are performing the additional research needed to quantify the conditions under which seismic stimulation can enhance oil recovery in declining fields.

Our research project has three major focus areas: (i) laboratory flow enhancement experiments on rock cores, (ii) numerical modeling of physical mechanisms for enhanced fluid mobility, and (iii) full-scale field stimulation tests. The laboratory and modeling efforts are providing quantitative empirical data and predictive tools for designing controlled field experiments.

We will present results from each of the three research focus areas. These will include data from laboratory corn flow experiments on permeability enhancement and oil-phase mobilization, initial assessment of the relative importance of various physical mechanisms, and an overview of the results of historic and ongoing field stimulation tests. Appropriate ranges of effective values for stimulation frequency and amplitude, as well as a discussion of currently available downhole and surface stimulation source technologies, will also be presented.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90937©1998 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Salt Lake City, Utah