Abstract

Oil production may decline after a certain period due to flow restrictions near a well bore. This could occur as a result of paraffin wax buildup or from accumulation of high viscosity fluid near the well bore through a heavy oil reservoir. Stimulation with electromagnetic energy may be used to heat rocks near the well bore. This can lower oil viscosity and eliminate wax buildup and increase well productivity.

In this study, single well stimulation with electromagnetic energy was simulated with a mathematical model of radial flow. The model assumes that a well is positioned at the center of a cylinder-shaped reservoir in a two phase flow (water and oil) system. Four equations define this model: two mass equilibrium equations (for water and oil) and two energy equilibrium equations (for heat energy and electrical energy).

This paper describes the electromagnetic stimulation process, the tool assembly and use of electromagnetic stimulation in some naturally flowing and artificial lift systems. Stimulation results are shown by plotting the production increase against the heating applied. Selection of optimum electrical energy for heating increases cumulative production and decreases water cut.