Resonance‐induced restoration of rock permeability degraded by heavy components of crude oil

Abstract Acoustic vibrations applied in the range from 17 to 120 kHz restore the permeability of rocks during filtration of crude oil with heavy components due to a decrease in the injection pressure. The dominant frequency of 28 kHz is revealed, at which the pore space of rocks is unblocked from heavy components of the crude oil most effectively. A mechanism for blocking and unblocking the matrix of sedimentary clastic rock from plugs composed of heavy components present in crude oil is proposed. It is established that heavy components accumulate in narrow pore necks due to the occurrence of force, the nature of which is determined by the curvature of the inner surface of the pore channel. A mathematical model of rock permeability changes from the frequency and amplitude of acoustic vibrations reflecting the resonance effect is developed. A modernized technology for well treatment is proposed.