Method and apparatus for stimulating well production

Apparatus for stimulating flow in a producing area of a well, comprising:

• a production string in the well for receiving liquid in the well, said production string extending to the producing area;
• a gas line extending to the producing area of the well for supplying gas;
• an outlet port in said production string for receiving gas from said gas line and directing the gas generally sidewardly in the producing area;
• a relief valve for controlling flow from the gas line to said port, said valve opening at a selected pressure applied thereto in said gas line;
• and
• a gas supply for applying gas to the gas line at said selected pressure in sequential bursts to discharge the gas generally sidewardly through said port in sequential bursts effective to generate a shock wave for breaking up materials in and adjacent to the producing area of the well.

In combination with a production string in a water well having a production zone:

• a supply of gas under pressure;
• a gas line extending from said supply to the production zone, said gas line being connected with the production string;
• an outlet port for directing gas generally sidewardly in the production zone;
• a relief valve having an open position connecting said gas line with said port and a closed position blocking flow from said line to said port, said relief valve opening when gas in said line is applied to the valve at a selected pressure;
• and
• a control for applying gas from said supply to said line in sequential bursts at said selected pressure, thereby sequentially opening said relief valve to discharge the gas through said port in bursts effective to generate a shock wave for breaking up material build up in and adjacent to said production zone.