Downhole pressure wave generator and method for use thereof

A pressure wave generator for use down a bore hole having fluid therein comprising a substantially solid cylindrical member of an elastomeric material having a longitudinal axis and first and second opposite end portions, the cylindrical member having a length and a cross-sectional size for disposition in the bore hole and motor means carried by at least one of the first and second end portions for exerting a periodic compressive force along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member so as to cause the cylindrical member to expand radially along its length and thus produce pressure waves in the fluid.

A method for increasing the effective permeability of a hydrocarbon-containing formation adjacent a fluid-containing bore hole with an elongate member of an elastomeric material having first and second end portions and extending along a longitudinal axis comprising the steps of disposing the elongate member in the bore hole adjacent the hydrocarbon-containing formation and periodically compressing the elongate member along the longitudinal axis to cause the elongate member to produce pressure waves extending outwardly from the longitudinal axis into the hydrocarbon-containing formation.

A pressure wave generator for use down a bore hole having fluid therein comprising a solid member sized for disposition in the bore hole and means for exerting a periodic compressive force on the solid member in a first direction so as to cause the solid member to expand in a second direction and thus produce pressure waves in the fluid.