Plasma Source for Well Stimulation via Shockwave Oscillations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods are inefficient in maximizing oil recovery from depleted wells, as they require high energy consumption, extensive equipment, and often use harmful chemicals, with limited effectiveness due to rapid attenuation of high-frequency waves in porous media.
Innovation Solution
A plasma source generating nonlinear, wide-band, periodic, directed, elastic oscillations is used to stimulate wells and deposits by creating metallic plasma and directing shockwaves into the well fluid, enhancing permeability and fluid mobility without the need for chemical agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-frequency waves are used for enhanced oil recovery, then oil recovery efficiency is improved, but the waves attenuate rapidly in porous media limiting their effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the electrical energy parameters (high voltage, high frequency) into mechanical shock wave parameters (high pressure, high amplitude) that propagate effectively through porous media. The plasma generator creates controlled electrical discharges that convert to mechanical oscillations, changing the energy form to overcome attenuation issues while maintaining productivity enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical wave generation systems with an electrical plasma-based system. Instead of using mechanical vibrators or pumps that generate high-frequency waves, the invention uses electrical discharges through plasma generators to create shock waves that mechanically stimulate the reservoir, achieving better energy transmission through the porous medium.
2Productivity
If conventional EOR methods are used, then oil recovery is enhanced, but harmful chemicals are required and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical-based EOR methods (surfactants, polymers, solvents) with an electrical-mechanical plasma stimulation system. The plasma generator creates electrical discharges that transform into mechanical shock waves, physically stimulating the reservoir to enhance oil flow without introducing any chemical agents into the formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma generator system uses the reservoir's own fluid (brine, formation water) as the medium for electrical discharge and shock wave generation. The formation fluids themselves serve as the plasma medium, eliminating the need for external chemical additives while utilizing the existing reservoir resources for the enhancement process.
3Productivity
If conventional EOR equipment is deployed, then oil recovery is improved, but extensive equipment and high energy consumption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of EOR (reservoir stimulation) from complex mechanical and chemical equipment down to a compact plasma generator device. By removing unnecessary chemical injection systems, large pumps, and complex control mechanisms, the invention achieves oil recovery enhancement using a simplified electrical discharge device that can be deployed through standard wellbores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from conventional low-voltage continuous systems to high-voltage pulsed plasma discharges. This parameter transformation allows the use of a compact device that delivers intense energy in short pulses, achieving effective reservoir stimulation without requiring extensive continuous energy input or complex equipment infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach increases hydrocarbon recovery and well intake capacity by inducing long-lasting resonance effects, improving permeability and reducing water cut, while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
creating metallic plasma and directing shockwaves into the well fluid
Implementation Method 2
directing shockwaves into the well fluid
Implementation Method 3
generating nonlinear, wide-band, periodic, directed, elastic oscillations
Implementation Method 4
inducing long-lasting resonance effects
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a plasma source. The plasma source includes: (i) a plasma emitter having a first electrode and a second electrode defining an electrode gap therebetween; (ii) stands disposed adjacent to the electrode gap and the plasma emitter; (iii) emitter openings configured such that shockwaves generated by the plasma source are directed through the emitter openings and radially from the plasma emitter, wherein adjacent emitter openings of the emitter openings are separated from each other by at least one stand of the stands; (iv) an enclosure housing at a distal end of the plasma emitter and having a delivery device configured to introduce a conductor through an opening in the second electrode and into the electrode gap; and a device housing at a proximal end of the plasma emitter and having a transformer, a capacitor unit, and a contactor. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.