Method to selectively affect permeability in a reservoir to control fluid flow
AssigneeTexaco Inc.
InventorDonald L. Howlett
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for selectively affecting the permeability of reservoirs to enhance fluid flow therein includes placing a plurality of acoustical wave generator means in a patterned array with respect to the reservoir and energizing them to create acoustic nodes at targeted areas of the reservoir. The acoustic wave generator means can be located solely on the surface, only below surface or in combination above and below surface. The acoustic wave generator means can be selectively simultaneously or sequentially energized to create nodes at targeted areas of the reservoir.
Claims5
A method to selectively affect the permeability in a subterranean reservoir comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of acoustical wave generator means in a patterned array;
- and
- selectively and sequentially energizing said plurality of acoustical wave generator means to generate vibrations from each said acoustical wave generator means whereby the vibrations thus generated create at least one node that can be directed to targeted areas of said reservoir by said selective and sequential energization to stimulate flow in said reservoir.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.