Patent ID: 6186228
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A method of enhancing the production of liquid hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore comprising the steps of:placing an acoustic energy transducer actuated by at least one magnetostrictive actuator comprised of a drive rod formed of terfenol alloy in said well bore within said subterranean formation;causing acoustic energy in the form of pressure waves to be emitted from said acoustic energy transducer through said liquid hydrocarbons in said formation whereby the mobility of said liquid hydrocarbons is improved and said liquid hydrocarbons flow more freely to said well bore or to a separate well bore;placing an ultrasonic energy transducer activated by at least one magnetostrictive actuator having a drive rod formed of terfenol alloy in a well bore penetrating said formation; andcausing ultrasonic energy in the form of waves to be emitted from said ultrasonic energy transducer through said liquid hydrocarbons flowing into said well bore whereby the viscosity of said liquid hydrocarbons is temporarily reduced and said liquid hydrocarbons flow more freely through said well bore.