Method, system and apparatus for synergistically raising the potency of enhanced oil recovery applications

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus, method and system for stimulating production of a natural resource (e.g., Oil, gas or water) producing well using vibrational energy delivered to the geological formation combined with one or more existing EOR treatments. Pressure waves are applied through a device that maybe permanently installed, and continuously or periodically operated during EOR treatment and even later during recovery of the natural resource. The vibrational energy provide a synergistic effect with existing EOR treatments, enhancing the outcome of EOR treatments. The invention provides a downhole type apparatus constructed to resist corrosion and provides one or more heat sink chambers for controlling heat dissipation during operation. The system provided by the invention is capable of monitoring production, adapting stimulation parameters based on user input and other pertinent parameters.

1 . A method for stimulating a natural resource producing well, said method comprising the steps of:
 deploying an apparatus comprising at least one generator for generating at least one type of elastic waves into a wellbore;   deploying a system for applying an enhanced recovery treatment into said wellbore;   operating said system for applying said enhanced recovery treatment; and   operating said apparatus for applying an elastic wave treatment, wherein said applying said elastic wave treatment creates a synergistic effect on said applying said enhanced recovery treatment.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of deploying said apparatus further comprising deploying an apparatus for generating high-frequency elastic waves. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of deploying said apparatus further comprising deploying an apparatus for generating high-frequency elastic waves and low frequency elastic-waves. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of deploying said system for applying said enhanced recovery treatment further comprising deploying a system for applying hydraulic fracturing. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  further comprising:
 applying a water at a high-pressure; 
 adding at least one proppant to said water; 
 blending a mixture containing said water with said at least one proppant; and 
 pumping said mixture into said wellbore. 
 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of deploying said system for applying an enhanced recovery treatment further comprising deploying a system for applying an acid treatment. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 selecting at least one acid type for applying said acid treatment;   determining a concentration and volume of said at least one acid type for making a solution of acid;   pumping a mixture of proppants in said wellbore; and   injection said solution of acid into said wellbore.   
     
     
         8 . A method for applying pressure to a natural resource in a production reservoir, said method comprising the steps of:
 deploying an apparatus comprising at least one generator for generating at least one type of elastic waves into a set of wells in a production filed, wherein said set of wells comprising a subset of production wells and a subset of injection wells;   deploying a system for applying a fluid injection treatment into an injection well of said production field;   operating said system for applying said fluid treatment; and   operating said apparatus for applying an elastic wave treatment, wherein said applying said elastic wave treatment creates a synergistic effect on said applying said fluid injection treatment.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said step of deploying said fluid injection treatment further comprising:
 recovering a plurality of fluids from said subset of production wells;   separating at least one injection fluid from said plurality of fluids;   treating said at least one injection fluid;   compressing said at least one injection fluid; and   injecting said at least one injection fluid into at least one well of said subset of injection wells.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said step of recovering said plurality of fluids further comprises recovering water, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and water vapor from said subset of production wells. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising:
 separating at least one gas from said plurality of fluids; and 
 treating said at least one gas with at least one amine-based chemical compound. 
 
     
     
         12 . A system for stimulating a natural resource producing well, comprising:
 means for generating at least one type of elastic waves into a wellbore; and   means for applying an enhanced recovery treatment to said wellbore.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  further comprises means for generating high-frequency elastic waves. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12  further comprises means for generating high-frequency elastic waves and low frequency elastic-waves. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12  further comprising means for applying hydraulic fracturing. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15  further comprising:
 means for applying water at a high-pressure; 
 means for mixing a mixture comprising at least one proppant and said water; and 
 means for pumping said mixture into said wellbore. 
 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 12  further comprising a system for applying an acid treatment, and further comprising:
 means for selecting at least one acid type for applying said acid treatment; 
 means for determining a concentration and volume of said at least one acid type for making a solution of acid; and 
 means for pumping a mixture of proppants in said wellbore. 
 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 12  further comprising:
 means for recovering a plurality of fluids from said set of production wells; 
 means for separating at least one injection fluid from said plurality of fluids; 
 means for treating said at least one injection fluid; 
 means for compressing said at least one injection fluid; and 
 means for injecting said at least one injection fluid into at least one injection. 
 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  further comprises means for recovering carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, water and water vapor. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19  further comprises means for chemically treating said at least one injection fluid.