Investigation of Ultrasonic Waves’ Function in Improving Oil Production Capacity Using Water-Flooding Experiments

One way to improve oil production capacity is to use ultrasonic waves. Series of straight and ultrasonic stimulated water–flooding experiments were conducted on a long unconsolidated sand-pack using ultrasonic transducers because of a limited understanding of the mechanisms involved in applying ultrasonic waves as an enhanced oil recovery method. Kerosene and vaseline were used as non-wet phases in the system with a viscosity of 0.99 and 22 cp, respectively. Moreover, fluid flow and temperature rise experiments were conducted using an ultrasonic bath to enhance contributing mechanisms. They were carried out to observe the effects of ultrasonic waves on oil recovery. As a result, the recovery of water-flooding increased by about 16%. Furthermore, three mechanisms of improving oil production capacity were recognized: emulsification, cavitation, and viscosity reduction. The changes in pressure and ultrasonic velocity were also simulated using Comsol software alongside the sand-pack. As a result of the function of ultrasonic waves, this study can help the contributing mechanisms for improving oil recovery.