The Effect Of Ultrasonic Energy On The Flow Of Fluids In Porous Media

The results are summarized of a preliminary investigation into the possible utilization of ultrasonics to promote the flow of fluids in porous media. A series of controlled tests was made on a sixteen-inch diameter by 1.82-in. thick piece of torpedo sandstone using diesel oil, SAE 10 oil and core test fluid as the hydrocarbons. These fluids were displaced by saline water in a series of ''flood tests'' designed to characterize the behavior of the system with and without the addition of sonic energy. the results of these tests serve to show that the addition of sonic energy increases displacement efficiency. Several reasons are hypothesized for this result. It is likewise indicated that the desired selective injectivity was feasible. Although the results of these experiments cannot be directly translated to field practice they serve as a basis for future studies. (23 refs.)