Methods and apparatus for enhancing well production using sonic energy

A method of enhancing the production of oil from a subterranean water saturated reservoir containing immobile oil and water, said reservoir being penetrated by at least one well bore, comprising the steps of:

• placing an acoustic energy transducer actuated by at least one magnetostrictive actuator having a drive rod formed of terfenol alloy in said reservoir by way of said well bore;
• causing acoustic energy in the form of pressure waves to be emitted from said acoustic energy transducer through said immobile oil in said reservoir whereby said oil is mobilized and flows into a production well bore penetrating said reservoir;
• placing an ultrasonic energy transducer activated by at least one magnetostrictive actuator comprised of a drive rod formed of terfenol alloy in said production well bore penetrating said reservoir;
• and
• causing ultrasonic energy in the form of waves to be emitted from said ultrasonic energy transducer through said oil produced from said reservoir into said well bore whereby the viscosity of said oil is temporarily reduced and said oil flows more freely through said well bore.

An apparatus for enhancing the production of liquid hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean formation comprising:

• a conduit disposed in said well bore for conducting said liquid hydrocarbons from said formation to the surface;
• an electric powered pump connected to said conduit and positioned in said well bore adjacent to said formation for pumping said liquid hydrocarbons therefrom through said conduit;
• an electric powered acoustic energy transducer disposed in said well bore adjacent to said formation for reducing the surface tension of liquid hydrocarbons in said formation and allowing said liquid hydrocarbons to flow more freely to said well bore;
• an electric powered ultrasonic energy transducer disposed in said well bore adjacent to said formation for temporarily reducing the viscosity of said liquid hydrocarbons flowing into said well bore whereby said liquid hydrocarbons are pumped to the surface more easily;
• an electric power source and a control unit on the surface;
• and
• a wire line comprised of power and control signal conductors extending from said power source and control unit and connected to said pump, said electric powered acoustic energy transducer and said electric powered ultrasonic energy transducer for supplying power and control signals thereto.