Enhancing Matrix Acid Stimulation Using Ultrasonic Waves

Abstract

The present paper is concerned with improving matrix acidizing in carbonate formation. For this purpose, ultrasonic waves were added to conventional matrix acid stimulation to increase the acid reach inside the rock. This concept is based on a phonophoresis effect of the acid, applying a similar concept in pushing the stimulation acid deeper in the formation during matrix acidizing. This effect will have a great benefit in reaching larger stimulated areas and increasing the overall well productivity. Extensive laboratory experiments have shown that the rate of penetration of the acid when exposed simultaneously to ultrasonic wave irradiation reached almost 90% more than the acid only. This phenomena has been investigated through the use of CT scan analysis on the core samples. The penetration was instantaneous and rapid in reaching deeper length of the plug sample.