Method for enhancing oil production using electricity
First Claim
1. A method of enhancing oil production from an oil bearing formation that is damaged by plugging materials, said formation having a first region and a second region containing formation water, said method comprising the steps of:
- A. providing a first borehole in the first region and a second borehole in the second region;
B. positioning a first electrode in the first borehole in the first region;
C. positioning a second electrode in proximity to the second borehole in the second region;
D. establishing a voltage difference between the first and second electrodes to create an electric field across the plugging materials; and
E. destabilizing the plugging materials with the electric field to improve oil flow through the formation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of enhancing oil production from an oil bearing formation includes the steps of providing a first borehole in a first region of the formation and a second borehole in a second region of the formation. A first electrode is positioned in the first borehole in the first region, and a second electrode is positioned in proximity to the second borehole in the second region. A voltage difference is established between the first and second electrodes to create an electric field across the plugging materials. The electric field is applied to destabilize the plugging materials and improve oil flow through the formation.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of enhancing oil production from an oil bearing formation that is damaged by plugging materials, said formation having a first region and a second region containing formation water, said method comprising the steps of:
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A. providing a first borehole in the first region and a second borehole in the second region;
B. positioning a first electrode in the first borehole in the first region;
C. positioning a second electrode in proximity to the second borehole in the second region;
D. establishing a voltage difference between the first and second electrodes to create an electric field across the plugging materials; and
E. destabilizing the plugging materials with the electric field to improve oil flow through the formation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of enhancing oil production from an oil bearing formation that is damaged by plugging materials, said method comprising the steps of:
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A. providing a first borehole in the oil formation;
B. positioning a first electrode in the first borehole in the oil formation;
C. positioning a second electrode in proximity to the oil formation;
D. establishing a voltage difference between the first and second electrodes to create an electric field across the plugging materials; and
E. destabilizing the plugging materials with the electric field to improve oil flow through the formation. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification