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SPE-192283-MS

Dynamic Fluid Pulsation: A Novel Approach to Reservoir Stimulation

Improves Post-Stimulation Gains
Brett Davidson (Wavefront Reservoir Technologies Ltd.); Koti Kolli (Wavefront Reservoir Technologies Ltd.); Dr.
Tim Spanos (Wavefront Reservoir Technologies Ltd.); Ahmed Abu Akar (Wavefront Reservoir Technologies
Ltd./National Petroleum Technologies); Mazen Al Omari (National Petroleum Services); Mohamed Amine
Djelliout (National Petroleum Technologies); Djilali Shanoun (National Petroleum Services)

Copyright 2018, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Annual Technical Symposium and Exhibition held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, 23–
26 April 2018.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s).
Contents of the paper have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not
necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this
paper without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more
than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
One of the major challenges to maximizing recovery of reserves is that every oil or gas reservoir
rock is more or less heterogeneous at all scales (micro, mega, and pore) which leads to disproportionate
production and injection outcomes. Generally, the higher the level of reservoir heterogeneity the more
difficult it becomes to achieve maximum fluid distribution or conformance. Improving conformance in
a non-homogenous material such as a hydrocarbon reservoir inherently means improving flow through
lower permeability regions. Ideally, during a conventional well stimulation using a treatment fluid such
as acid, we wish to move the fluid through the majority of the rock volume but the physical constraints
of fluid flow negatively impact that ideal outcome.
Dynamic fluid pulse technology provides for high inertial fluid momentum which improves the flow
efficiency of fluids injected into the wellbore, the near wellbore region, and the reservoir. The nature of
fluid displacement energy ensures that pulsed fluid will penetrate the matrix proximal to where the tool
is placed thus achieving enhanced fluid distribution. Prior to a stimulation operation a dynamic
mathematical model associated with fluid pulse technology is employed to generate a precise well
program (pumping schedule) to maximize the contact volume of the treatment fluid along the
completed interval. Compared with conventional stimulation dynamic fluid pulsation has been
demonstrated to bring significant financial benefits to well stimulation without impacting results
including: reduced chemical costs; improved post-stimulation sustainability; and, better overall post-
stimulation well performance as a greater volume of the completed interval hence matrix is contacted
by the treatment fluids.

Introduction
It is well known that the purpose of well stimulation is to remove wellbore “damage” or “skin” to
restore a well’s productivity or injectivity. It has been postulated that the depth of radial damage that
may occur in a formation can extend to 20 ft. (~6 m) and can emanate from drilling, completions,
workovers, other stimulation procedures as well as production, water or gas injection, EOR activities,
pressure changes in the reservoir, mobilizing solids, asphaltene, waxes, swelling clays etc.

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Every oil reservoir rock is more or less heterogeneous at all scales of (micro, mega, and pore).
Generally, the higher the level of reservoir heterogeneity the more difficult it becomes to achieve
maximum fluid distribution or conformance. Improving conformance in a non-homogenous material
such as an oilfield reservoir inherently means improving flow through lower permeability regions.
Ideally, during a well stimulation using a treatment fluid such as acid, we wish to move the acid
through the entire rock volume but the physical constraints of fluid flow negatively impact that ideal
outcome. First, injecting a low-viscosity fluid (i.e., acid) into a higher viscosity fluid (i.e., oil) results in
the formation of viscous instabilities (“fingering”). Second, because of heterogeneity fluid flow will
concentrate in the higher permeability zones (i.e., the path of least resistance) leaving the lower
permeability zones virtually unswept by the injected fluid.
Stimulations are accomplished through a variety of techniques but most commonly chemicals are
injected to treat existing conditions in the reservoir with an attempt to achieve better well outcomes. In
carbonates, matrix acidizing with HCl is widely used to enhance permeability by creating
“wormholes.” In sandstones mud acids (HCl and/or HF) may be used to dissolve damage in the near
wellbore region. In heavy oils, diluents (e.g. naphtha), dissolving agents (e.g. xylene) or other fluid
constituents are used for a variety of reasons to enhance well productivity.
The use of chemicals in treating wells has greater efficacy when the fluids are placed along the
completed interval with both maximum distribution and depth of penetration. Conventional steady-state
injection methodologies as well as jetting tools, acoustic tools or fluidic oscillators with chemicals are
limited in their effectiveness to achieve these attributes because those approaches do not have the
capacity to overcome difficult reservoir conditions such as low permeability streaks, very viscous oil,
and sometimes even worse, the presence of fractures, fissures, and thief zones. Such formation
characteristics reduce treatment effectiveness as the chemicals merely follow pre-established flow
pathways. To combat preferential flow mechanical packer isolation or chemical diverts are often
employed to try to “force” treatment fluids into lower permeability flow zones. The latter may lead to
further damage in the reservoir while the former has limited effectiveness in the open hole or
completed intervals.
Dynamic fluid pulsing works effectively as a reservoir stimulation method primarily because it
forces injection fluids outside the path of least resistance through a dispersion process. The waveform
associated with a purpose-created fluid pulse, Figure 1, has a saw-tooth shape providing several
benefits over other established stimulation methods. The sharp change in pressure (amplitude) in a
very short period of time (rise time) directs flow radially into the formation; inducing fluid dispersion
which includes deeper penetration and more uniform distribution of treatment fluids and has shown to
overcome the difficult reservoir conditions previously mentioned. However, it is important to note that
the difference in pressure is only a small piece of the puzzle; how the change in pressure is created is a
differentiating characteristic of dynamic fluid pulsing versus acoustic, sonic, and jetting approaches and
ultimately the reason for fluid dispersion into the reservoir.
Dynamic fluid pulses are highly effective as a fluid placement technique because:
• The pressure gradients involved in normal flow of fluids through the reservoir are generally
very small when viewed at the pore scale, yet small differences between these pressure gradients
determine the path of least resistance that governs the normal flow of fluids. Typical amplitudes
associated with dynamic fluid pulsing alter local pressure gradients and completely dwarf those
associated with normal fluid flow in the reservoir causing accurate fluid placement throughout the
 entire interval even through zones of high resistence to flow;
• Dynamic fluid pulsing forces fluid into the spaces between the grains of rock or sand, causing a
very small, and completely harmless, expansion and contraction of this pore space and thereby

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giving rise to an improved dynamic permeability;
• The increase in dynamic permeability and the fluid displacement pulses allow fluids to travel
more uniformly through the reservoir; and,
• Typical radius of influence (as penetration depth depends on volume of fluid injected at a single
point) of dynamically placed treatment fluid is ~ ≥3 ft (~1 m).

History of Dynamic Fluid Pulsing

Dynamic fluid pulsing is not new to the oil and gas industry. Its origins date back to the late 1990’s
and the technique has been subject of numerous Canadian academic engineering masters’ degrees, a
PhD degree (Samaroo, 1999; Wang, 1999; Zschuppe, 2001) as well as numerous patents on the process
and tools associated with the technique. Furthermore, dynamic fluid pulsing has been extensively used
in waterflooding applications to improve sweep efficiency, reduce water cut, and improve estimate
ultimate oil recovery (Avagnina et al., 2013; Avagnina et al., 2015). More recently an intensive effort
has been made to move fluid pulsing technology from the longer-term applications of permanently
installed tools to shorter-term applications such as coiled tubing (CT) matrix stimulation.
The phenomena of dynamic fluid pulsing and the benefits arising from its applications do not fall
within the “conventional” view of porous media mechanics. The mechanics involved in the application
of systematic dynamic fluid pulsing are not radical, yet industry accepted poromechanic models cannot
correctly account for the dynamic effects associated with its outcomes.
Scientists and engineers working in fluid flow have been taught that the steady-state Darcy flow
paradigm (q p/), where gradient is a macroscopically defined quantity (p/= (p1/p2)/), is a
sufficient theory for porous media flow over a wide range of conditions. Perhaps some inability to
correctly predict flow rates or dispersion behavior in clays, shale’s or fractured media is admitted, but
otherwise Darcy theory is accepted uncritically.
Similarly, geophysicists working with porous media wave mechanics have been taught that Biot-
Gassmann theory is sufficient to describe porous media wave propagation, given a wavelength much
greater than the particle size.
Neither of these “fundamental” theories is complete, although each may be sufficient for practical
purposes under certain restrictive conditions.
Dr. Tim Spanos, Professor Emeritus, the University of Alberta developed a rigorous theory of
porous media mechanics which fully describes the dynamic fluid flow characteristics associated with
dynamic fluid pulsing. The Spanos fluid flow theory is more thermodynamically sound than either
Darcy theory for non-dynamic flow, or Biot-Gassmann theory for wave propagation (de la Cruz, 1985;
Geilikman et al, 1992; Spanos, 2001; Spanos and Udey, 2017).
Darcy theory is a steady-state theory, and contains no inertial terms. Thus, when liquid or solid
phase accelerations are important with respect to the system flow velocity, one may expect effects that
cannot be quantitatively explained. This does not invalidate the Darcy paradigm within the restrictive
conditions for which it was stipulated (i.e. no inertial effects). However, it does mean that Darcy
theory is incapable of predicting or quantifying the effects of dynamic fluid pulsing.
The Biot-Gassmann theory of wave propagation in porous media is to wave mechanics what Darcy
theory is to flow mechanics, yet Biot-Gassmann theory is based on a set of assumptions that have
recently been shown to be inadequate. The two most important flaws are the following:
• Porosity is assumed to be a constant scalar quantity; and,
 • The energy in a porous medium can be described by a single-valued function.
As noted, Darcy theory does not include inertial effects. For example, it is known to be inapplicable
to flows involving turbulence where internal energy dissipation from inertial effects is important.

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During large amplitude excitation applied to test cells in laboratory experiments, inertial effects,
sudden acceleration and deceleration of the pore fluid, dominate the flow regime. To overcome this
limitation of Darcy flow theory, the Spanos flow theory includes inertial effects formulated at the
correct scale from fundamental physical principles.
Similarly the theory of wave propagation in porous media developed by Spanos overcomes the
limitations associated with the restrictive assumptions in the Biot-Gassmann theory. The basic
characteristics of the theory include inertial mass coupling between the phases, porosity as a variable,
energy dissipation because of phase compression, and rigorous incorporation of the dilatational
behavior of all phases.

Porosity Variation during Dynamic Fluid Pulsing

It is well established that a major contributor to the ability of fluids to flow in the ground is the size
of the pore spaces within rocks and soils: “porosity”. It is also well established that the greatest obstacle
to overall fluid injection and fluid recovery is related to pore space size and how efficient fluids flow in
interconnected pore pathways: "permeability". If pore space size and pore interconnectivity govern
fluid flow when extracting a liquid such as the case in oil production then those same characteristics
also govern how well a fluid can be injected and distributed into a porous media. Hence, porosity and
permeability control both fluid extraction and fluid injection.
Assume acid is going to be injected into a formation under constant pressure for the purpose of
enhancing permeability. This is referred to as "steady-state or quasi-static injection". Nature has set up
a system of pores and pore interconnectivity. This can be somewhat altered by processes such as
fracturing or tectonic activity (earthquakes) but all things being equal it is a pre-determined system.
Flow rate and the distribution of the acid injected into the rock or soil is dominated by that pre-
determined system. The easiest explanation is the path of least resistance. It is difficult to alter the
path of least resistance simply by increasing the pressure by which the liquid is injected. Furthermore,
it is almost technically impractical for that acid to be distributed outside the path of least resistance.
The term used in the oil industry referring to the efficacy of how injected liquid is distributed is "sweep
efficiency". Why does the path of least resistance dominate? The answer is quite simple. Pore space
size and pore interconnectivity remain the same throughout the entire process.
Now assume acid is going to be injected into the formation under constant pressure but an
intermittent dynamic force is superimposed on that process. This is termed "dynamic enhancement" or
"dynamic flow". The magnitude and duration of the dynamic force is calculable for every given rock
or soil. Dynamic fluid pulsing intermittently changes both pore space size and pore interconnectivity
through the applied dynamic force. How is this accomplished? Dynamic fluid pulsing relies on the
elastic properties of rocks and soils. When a dynamic fluid pulse is applied through the injected liquid
it dilates the pore space through an elastic response. This in turn causes not only the pre-determined
pore network to increase in size and interconnectivity but also opens up additional pore spaces to flow.
Hence, fluid dynamics governs how and where flow occurs because it overcomes the path of least
resistance. The result is greater sweep efficiency or simply, better fluid distribution and represents a
greater overall volume of the formation coming into contact with the acid.
As noted above the waveform associated with dynamic fluid pulsing and its properties are predicted
by the physical theory that describes multiphase flow and seismic wave propagation in porous media.
Within the constructs of the physical theory lay equations that allow for the calculation of porosity
changes as a function of pulse amplitude and formation depth. Figures 2 through 5 present base cases
for magnitude of reversible porosity changes at an originating porosity value of 5% and 20%
respectively. As shown porosity changes are quite negligible at a single pore space however when

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occurring simultaneously over millions of pores the net effect is large-scale dynamic flow which has
the beneficial attributes of improved sweep and deeper fluid penetration.

Modeling a Dynamic Fluid Pulse Well Stimulation

To effectively plan a dynamic fluid pulse well stimulation a mathematical model of dispersion is
required to compute the saturation profile of the injected treatment fluid for a given injection volume.
In addition, the mathematical model allows for a comparison of fluid dispersion by dynamic pulsing
versus the saturation profile of a conventional well stimulation based on static flow parameters. In the
mathematical model it is assumed that conventional well stimulation is dominated by viscous fingering,
hence an empirically based model for the viscous fingering curve has been implemented.
Theoretical derivations (Udey, 2009; Udey, 2012) and laboratory studies confirm that that dynamic
fluid injection generates dispersion. Dispersion is the flow process where some of the injected fluid
bypasses the in-situ fluid. The main feature of dispersion is that the speed of a given saturation point on
a saturation profile moves at a constant speed.
In the dynamic flow model this dispersion curve is represented by a spline curve. Given this curve,
the saturation profile of the injected treatment fluid for a given injected volume can be computed. The
initial profile is a vertical line at a radius equal to the well radius r = rw. Since the curve is a cubic
spline, integration under the curve is used to determine the displaced pore volume.
As mentioned the shape of the dispersion curve is based on the speed of the saturation contours.
Each saturation contour propagates as a wave. These waves increase in speed monotonically with
decreasing water saturations, with the greatest changes in velocity occurring at very high and low water
saturations. Permeability, viscosity, surface tension affect the magnitude of the velocities but do not
change the general shape of the dispersion curve. Here the shape of the curve is caused by the passing
porosity waves.
Volumetric sweep efficiency, Ev, associated with dynamic fluid pulsing is determined using the
reference dispersion curves. From the model the dispersion curves have this same shape across a broad
range of formation parameters and fluid pulse rates. Any variations in the shape due to variations in
the formation parameters like porosity and permeability are quite small and for all well stimulation
comparisions a theoretical dispersion curve based on porosity and permeability employed; and for these
curves the computed value of Ev is approximately 40%.
In the mathematical model of dynamic fluid pulsing, the viscous fingering curve used for
comparative purposes is an empirically based piecewise polynomial curve (Figure 6).
For a typical fluid displacement undergoing viscous fingering, 4 zones can be defined:
Zone 0: r ∈ [rw, ro); Zone 1: r ∈ [ro, r1); Zone 2: r ∈ [r1, r2); Zone 3: r ∈ [r2, r3]
Zone 0 is the region next to the injection point r = rw where the injected fluid has completely
displaced the in-situ fluid. The saturation profile is modelled as a flat profile with Si = max(Si) = 1 −
Swc where the connate water saturation is Swc.
Zone 1 is a transition zone where the saturation drops down from max(Si) to Si = Ev where Ev is the
selected volumetric sweep efficiency of the viscous fingered displacement. In this zone the saturation
profile is modelled by a Bezier cubic with zero slope at the beginning and end points. The cubic is
designed to mimic the dispersion curve.
SPE-192283-MS 6

Zone 2 is the fully developed fingered zone. The curve is modelled as a flat profile with Si = Ev.
Zone 3 is the transition zone from the fully developed fingered zone to the leading edge of the

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fingers. The curve is modelled by a Bezier cubic that drops from Si = Ev to Si = 0. The curve has zero
slope at the beginning with a slight 1.1 degree slope at the end.
In the mathematical model, the viscous fingering curve is specified by the properties of a layer (well
radius, porosity, connate water saturation), the sweep efficiency of the viscous fingered displacement
(typically 10% to 35%, shown here as 15%), and a reference volume per unit length of fluid Vo/h
(default value is 0.5 US gal/ft). Initially, the volume of Zone 0 is zero, but can slowly increase. A
logarithmic growth formula is employed in the model. Initially the volume of Zone 1 is 90% of the
reference volume, while the remaining 10% is allocated to Zone 3. For a given volume per unit length
Vi/h, the viscous fingering curve algorithm distributes the volume into the various zones. For large
volumes, most of the volume is in Zone 2.
Although the algorithms associated with the mathematical model are too complex to discuss in
detail here, it is much simpler than a finite difference, finite element, or finite volume simulation of
viscous fingering. Nevertheless, the model captures the essential features of the average saturation
profile of viscous finger dominated fluid displacement.
In the model Ev, for the static flow condition may vary from 10% to 35% (or more) depending on
the thickness of the fingers and density of the fingers (i.e. the distance between fingers). For all
comparisons Ev = 20% is used for comparative purposes. This choice represents the most commonly
reported value in the literature and is consistent with results obtained in laboratory experiments.

Tools and Procedures

Dynamic fluid pulse stimulation is a two-step process. Step one is a wellbore cleaning process to
remove any scale or flow impediments within the wellbore using a cavitation-based pulsing tool that
creates a water hammering affect to remove detritus materials. Step two is the main treatment and
employs a magnetic-based flow driven device that operates entirely on a pressure differential where the
opening and closing of a downward shifting piston allows fluid to exit the tool at high acceleration.
Why a two-step process? While the pressure differential flow driven works effectively as a matrix
stimulation method to force injection fluids outside of the path of least resistance and deep into the
reservoir it is not well suited to scale and fill removal. This is because the energy content, or waveform,
generated by the tool is that of a high-amplitude; low frequency saw-tooth wave. In contrast, devices
that generate higher frequencies and lower amplitudes having a sinusoidal waveform are more
conducent to the removal of scale, etc. Hence, the cavitation-based pulsing tool is used to remove
detritus material from the wellbore and near wellbore region to prepare the well and formation for
matrix stimulation via the pressure differential flow driven device.
The cavitation-based tool (Figure 7) deployed to prepare or clean a wellbore prior to matrix
stimulation relies on a steady state turbulent flow of fluid entering the tool through an inlet pipe;
moving to a large fluid chamber where it undergoes a sudden enlargement (Figure 8). The fluid flow in
the corners of the chamber near the inlet is small, and consists of small eddies and vortices. A large
shearing action and shear layer is induced by the difference in flow rate between the fluid in the
chamber corners near the inlet and the fluid exiting the inlet. Consequently, vortex rings are created in
the shear layer and travel from the inlet to the edge of the outlet pipe where it connects with the
chamber. The collision of a vortex ring with this edge converts a large part of its energy into a wide
range of pressure waves, i.e. the self-excited pressure oscillation. The remainder of the energy remains
SPE-192283-MS 7

with the flow and is split between the flow towards the chamber wall and the flow into the outlet pipe.
The large pressure oscillations of the pressure waves cause the output flow to be interrupted and
subsequently converted into an oscillating or pulsating jet of fluid producing the water hammer and

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cavitational vaporization effects.
When the cavitation-based cleaning tool is deployed in a well, the repeated pulsed water hammer
effect and cavitational vaporization zones produced by the tools act on tubulars or enter the reservoir
through the well perforations and impact the near well bore region. The strong oscillatory motions of
the fluid in the near well bore zone are strongly coupled to deformations of the reservoir matrix in a
complex non-linear manner. The net effect near the well bore is a strong agitation or “churning”
effect—called the “Laundry Effect” (Figure 9) that breaks down sand bridges, loosens particles, and
removes blockages from tubulars, perforations, liners, and pore throats (Escobar et al, 2014).
Operationally the cavitation-based cleaning tool has two operating modes: extended and retrieved
(Figure 10). In the extended mode the tubulars and wellbore are subject to 3600 of fluid flow through
twelve fluid ports: 4 ports in the nose cone and 8 ports in the main body. The two flow structures are
joined by a slider that is fully extended in its base condition allowing for all 12 ports to expel fluid. As
the cleaning procedure continues all 12 ports will continue to expel fluid with strong oscillatory
motions as the coiled tubing or jointed pipe ingresses into the wellbore. If a fluid blockage or “tag” is
encountered the weight placed on the tool by the coiled tubing or jointed pipe will move the slider to
the retrieved position. The retrieved position disengages flow in the main body and now all flow is
directed downward through the 4 ports in the nose. As the water hammer effect initiated by the
cavitating action of the tool impacts the blockage a process referred to as, “cavitation erosion” occurs
and erodes the blockage. As the blockage is removed the fluid pressure in the coiled tubing or jointed
pipe begins the re-engage the slider until it is fully extended and all 12 ports are again expelling fluid.
This process may repeat throughout a cleaning operation depending on the number of tags that are
encountered.
Once stage 1, the preparation stage, is complete the coiled tubing is tripped out of the well and the
pressure differential flow driven device (Figure 11) attached to the coiled tubing for the main treatment.
Current versions of the magnetic-based flow driven device have differential pressures rated from 300
psi to 1,200 psi at flow rates up to 2.0 barrels of fluid per minute (bpm). A higher flow rate, 3 bpm tool
sufficient to deliver a minimum 1,200 psi dynamic fluid pulse is currently under development.

Model Example
Figure 12 presents data representing model inputs for a vertical water injector in a sandstone
reservoir having a range of porosity from 9.79% to 24.58% and a permeability range from 0.96 mD to
2,787mD.
With this data the dynamic fluid pulsing stimulation model was used to evaluate both the Radius of
Influence [“ROI”] (Figure 13) versus measured depth as well as the Extra Pore Volume [“EPV”]
(Figure 14) of the rock matrix that is in contact with the stimulation fluid. In this example EPV
occupied by dynamic fluid pulsing for a treatment volume of 19,200 gals of HCl/HF mud acid is
1,335.5 ft3 when compared with viscous fingering model associated with conventional steady-state
injection through open coil. In the graph PW Overflow (“PWO”) represents the volume of fluid that
freely moves up or down the completion at the onset of a dynamic fluid pressure pulse initiated by tool.
PWO is pseudo-dynamic fluid dispersion.
From the model flows a coiled tubing well program defining a step-by-step, layer-by-layer guide for
stage 1, the clean-out procedure; stage 2, the pre-flush; stage 3, the main acid treatment; and, stage 4,
the post flush. Stage 1 is completed using the cavitation-based cleaning tools while stages 2 to 4 utilize
SPE-192283-MS 8

the dynamic fluid pulsing tool.

This well is slated for stimulation therefore no pre and post stimulation comparison is available. As
with all models matching history with predictions allows the model to become more robust thus

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providing for better future outcomes. Though numerous dynamic fluid pulse models have been run and
wells stimulated the availability of precise fluid distribution outcomes via ILT or PLT logs remains few
hence model improvements will step-wise updates as critical data becomes available. For those wells
where ILT or PLT logs that have been run but unavailable for publication due to confidentiality there
has been seen definitive changes in fluid distribution associated with dynamic fluid pulsing albeit
optimization of the entire dynamic fluid pulsing approach remains to be further optimized.

Selected Stimulation Outcomes

As discussed a dynamic fluid pulse matrix stimulation is a two step process however to understand
the capabilities of the cavitation-based cleaning tool and its importance in preparing the wellbore for
the dynamic fluid pulse stage case examples of the tool used solely for the purpose of wellbore and
near wellbore cleaning are presented.
Case 1 is a horizontal well in North Africa. The objective of the clean-out was the removal of 500m
(~1,640ft) of a hard consolidated sand plug consisting of a 20/40 mesh sand from 2,630m to 3,131m
(~8,626ft to ~ 10,270ft) after an initial attempt utilizing a standard jetting nozzle failed. The oil
producing well had a 4.5” tie back liner in a 7’’casing. 1.5”cavitation-based tool was run on 1.5” coiled
tubing and nitrified gelled water used as the cleaning fluid.
The 500 m sand plug was removed effectively in a single run saving time and money for the
customer. The cavitation erosion effect generated by the tool with the associated self-adjusting future
combined with highly nitrified fluid eroded the entire hard sand plug as the tool was run into the well
where an initial attempt to remove the sand plug using an alternative approach failed.
Case 2 is a horizontal well in North Africa. The well stimulation operation was completed with 2⅞”
coiled tubing. The objective of the clean-out was to clean the horizontal section from miscellaneous
deposits, sediments, oil residues, and fines migration obstructing the oil producing reservoir.
1.5”cavitation-based tool was run on 1.5” coiled tubing and 7½% HCL + nitrified treated water used as
the cleaning fluid
The miscellaneous materials impeding oil production were successfully removed and oil production
approximately doubled from 3.89m3/hr to 6.75m3/hr (~795bbls/day to ~1381bbl/day).
Case 3 is a deviated observation well in the Middle East used to monitor saturation changes in a
producing reservoir. The well was completed across three reservoirs to a depth of 10,066ft (~3.069m)
between water injectors and oil producers. Due to the existence of unspecified solids fill well clean-out
was required as logging and drifting tools could not go past a depth of 9,523ft (~2,903m).
The clean out operation was started at depth of 9,688ft (~2,954m) where the drifting tool reached
prior to the operation. The cavitation-based tool was run into the well at 20fpm. During the clean-out,
50ft (~15m) “bites” into the fill were taken while pumping 5bbl of gel and 5bbl of fresh water every
100ft (~30m). Once the TD was reached, the coiled tubing was pulled back to 10,055ft (~3,066m) and
10bbl of gel followed by 160bbl of inhibited fresh water was pumped. Sampling of the returns was
conducted every 15 minutes and showed solids removal. As pumping continued, a great reduction in
solids percentage was noticed from 30% to 0.5% indicating an efficient clean-out operation.
Following the cleaning procedure using the cavitation-based tool the drifting tool was rigged up and
succeeded in reaching the TD without any restrictions.
As effective and beneficial as the cavitation-based cleaning tool is in cleaning the wellbore and near
SPE-192283-MS 9

wellbore region of great importance to production and reservoir engineers is maximizing matrix
stimulation outcomes. Dynamic fluid pulsing sets out to accomplish this objective.
Figure 15 presents the results of four dynamic fluid pulse stimulations completed in a sandstone

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reservoir in the Middle East. Two stimulations, denoted as P-1 and P-2, were completed on oil
producing wells. Two stimulations, denoted as INJ-1 and INJ-2, were completed on water injection
wells in a waterflood.
Well P-1 had a range of porosity from 25% to 30%; a minimum formation permeability of 400mD;
and, a Static Bottom Hole Pressure (SBHP) of 5000KPa (~725psi). Stage 1 of the stimulation consisted
of wellbore preparation using the cavitation-based cleaning tool on coiled tubing with a 7% KCl fluid.
Following wellbore preparation Stage 2, the dynamic stimulation, commenced with the fluid pulsing
tool. Stage 2 consisted of a pre-flush using a 15% HCl solution; a main mud acid treatment (7% HCl
&1.5% HF); and, a post-flush using a 15% HCl solution.
Prior to the dynamic fluid pulse stimulation well P-1 had gross fluid production of 4.17m3/day
(~26bbls/day) with net oil production of 3.97m3/day (~25bbls/day) at a base solids and water (BS&W)
content of 4.76%. Post-dynamic fluid pulse stimulation in well P-1 gross fluid production increased by
an approximate factor of 8 to 31.77m3/day (~200bbls/day) with net oil production increasing by an
approximate factor of 5.5 to 22.53m3/day (~141bbls/day) at a BS&W of 29.65%.
Well P-2 had a range of porosity from 22% to 30%; a permeability range from 400mD to 1000 mD;
and, a SBHP of 3750KPa (~544psi). Stage 1 of the stimulation consisted of wellbore preparation using
the cavitation-based cleaning tool on coiled tubing with a 7% KCl fluid. Following wellbore
preparation Stage 2, the dynamic stimulation, commenced with the fluid pulsing tool. Stage 2 consisted
of a pre-flush using a 15% HCl solution; a main mud acid treatment (7% HCl &1.5% HF); and, a post-
flush using a 15% HCl solution.
Prior to the dynamic fluid pulse stimulation well P-2 had gross fluid production of 9.69m3/day
(~61bbls/day) with net oil production of 8.33m3/day (~52bbls/day) at a base solids and water (BS&W)
content of 14%. Post-dynamic fluid pulse stimulation in well P-2 gross fluid production increased by an
approximate factor of 2 to 21.06m3/day (~132bbls/day) with net oil production increasing by an
approximate factor of 2.25 to 19m3/day (~117bbls/day) at a BS&W of 29.65%.
INJ-1 and INJ-2 shared the same reservoir properties having a porosity range from 8% to 32%; a
permeability range from 95mD to 572mD; and, a SBHP of 5550 KPa (~798psi). Stage 1 of the
stimulation consisted of wellbore preparation using the cavitation-based cleaning tool on coiled tubing
with a 7% KCl fluid. Following wellbore preparation Stage 2, the dynamic stimulation, commenced
with the fluid pulsing tool. Stage 2 consisted of a pre-flush using a 15% HCl solution; a main mud acid
treatment (7% HCl &1.5% HF); and, a post-flush using a 15% HCl solution.
Prior to the dynamic fluid pulse stimulation INJ-1 had an injection rate of 57m3/day (~359bbls/day)
while INJ-2 had an injection rate of 50m3/day (~314bbls/day). Post-dynamic fluid pulse stimulation the
injection rate increased to 130m3/day (~817bbls/day) or an approximate factor of 2.3 and the injection
rate on INJ-2 increased to 150m3/day (~943bbls/day) or a factor of 3.
Figures 16 and 17 show pre and post PLT log data as received from the client for a sandstone water
injector located in California, USA. The well was cased-hole perforated with the target treatment zone
from 6,411ft (~1,955m) to 6,760ft (~2,161m).
Due to certain logistical and cost constraints the client could not carry-out Stage 1, the wellbore
cleaning procedure therefore Stage 2, the dynamic stimulation, immediately commenced with the fluid
pulsing tool. Stage 2 consisted of 15% HCl; 7.5% HCl; 1.5% HF; and, 5% NH4Cl being sequentially
placed in multiple passes of the dynamic fluid pulsing tool.
As shown in the PLT log (Figure 16) prior to the dynamic fluid pulse stimulation the water injection
SPE-192283-MS 10

rate was 798bbl/day (~127m3/day) spread across five intervals however two intervals received more
than 90% of the inflow. Figure 17 shows a PLT log taken 90-days post-dynamic fluid pulse
stimulation. Water injection rate increased approximately 4.6 times pre-stimulation rates to

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3,692bbl/day (~587m3/day). Moreover, twelve zones were accepting fluid post-stimulation versus five
zones pre-stimulation with the upper zone decreasing in contribution from 76% to 30%. This outcome
demonstrates how dynamic fluid pulse technology may beneficially improve both fluid distribution and
placement without the need for mechanical or chemical diversion techniques.

Summary
Dynamic fluid pulsation is a game changing approach for the placement of fluids during well
stimulation or EOR activities where traditional, conventional approaches are ineffective or marginally
beneficial. The flow processes associated with dynamic fluid pulsation are predicted by a strong
physical theory that describes multiphase flow and seismic wave propagation in porous media and is
supported by academic study and field evidence over the past 20 years. The economic and
production/injection benefits of dynamic fluid pulsation are related to the application of long-
wavelength displacement waves (porosity dilation waves) that bring dynamic energy to fluids at the
pore scale, overcoming flow barriers and dispersing fluids deeper and more uniformly throughout the
reservoir matrix.

Acknowledgements
The oil and gas industry has a long history of excellent and critical innovation yet technology adoption
rates tend to be protracted and cumbersome as perceived risks and lack of case histories lead decision
makers to shy away from technology implementation. For technology innovators this is a major hurdle
to technology growth and commercialization. The authors wish to thank the thought leaders at the
client companies we serve for embracing and supporting the implementation of dynamic fluid pulsing
over the past twenty years. As early adopters’ these thought leaders have played a vital role in
unlocking the positive perception and acceptance of dynamic fluid flow processes as applied to EOR
and well stimulation activities.

References
Avagnina, D., Segura, J., Barrionuevo, A., Sanchez-Lona, A., Boscaro, S., Muniategui, M. 2013. Pulsating Injection System-Optimization
of Conventional Methods of Water Injection in Secondary Recovery Projects. Presented at the 5th Production Congress, and
Development of Reserves of Hydrocarbons, Rosairo City, Argentina, 21-24 May.
Avaginina, D., Segura, R., Muniategui, M., Sanchez-Lona, A., Keshka, A., Kolli, K., Wegman-Sanchez, J. 2013. An Innovative
Waterflood Optimization Method for Unconsolidated Sandstone Reservoirs to Increase Production, Lower Water-Cut, and Improve
or Stabilize Base Oil Decline Rate. Presented at the Pan-American Mature Fields Congress, Bueons Aires, Argentina,
Avaginina, D., Segura, R., Muniategui, M., Sanchez-Lona, A., Keshka, A., Kolli, K., Wegman-Sanchez, J. 2015. An Innovative
Waterflood Optimization Method for Unconsolidated Sandstone Reservoirs to Increase Production, Lower Water-Cut, and Improve
or Stabilize Base Oil Decline Rate. Presented at the Pan-American Mature Fields Congress, Bueons Aires, Argentina,
de la Cruz, V., Spanos, T. 1985. Seismic Wave Propagation in Porous Medium. Geophysics, Vol. 50, No. 10, pp. 1156-1165.
Escobar-Remolina, J., Barrios-Ortiz, W., Mantila-Villamizar, J., Vargas-Medina, J., Sanabria-Gomez, L., Davidson, B., Sanchez-Lona,
A., Wegman-Sanchez, J. 2014. An Effective Accelerated Pulsing Injection Method for Restoring Injectivity in Waterflood Fields
with Selective Injection Systems with Side-Pocket Mandrels and Control Flow Valves. Presented at the SPE Western North
American and Rocky Mountain Joint Regional Meeting, Denver, Colorado, 16-18 April.
Geilikman, M., Spanos, T., Nyland, E. 1993. Porosity Diffusion in Fluid-Saturated Media. Tectnophysics, 217, pp 111-115, Elesvier
Science Publishers, B.V., Amsterdam.
Samaroo, M. 1999. Pressure Pulse Enhancement: Report on the First Reservoir Scale Experiment Conducted by PE-TECH Inc. in Section
36 of Wascana Energy’s Inc.’s Morgan Field Lease. A Thesis Presented to the University of Waterloo in Fulfilment of the Thesis
Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
SPE-192283-MS 11

Spanos, T. The Thermophysics of Porous Media. 2001. Monographs and Surveys in Pure and Applied Mathematics, Chapman &
Hall/CRC Press, Boca Raton.
Spanos, T., Udey, N. 2017. The Physics of Composite and Porour Media. CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group, London, United Kingdom.
Udey, N. 2012. Coupled Porosity and Saturation Waves in Porous Media. Chapter 16, CRC Press Book Series: Multiphysics Modeling

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Volume 6 Mathematical and Numerical Modeling in Porous Media.
Udey, N. 2009. Dispersion Waves of Two Fluids in a Porous Medium. Transport in Porous Media, 79, pp 107-115.
Wang, W. 1999. Flow Rate Enhancement Under Liquid Pressure Pulsing. A Thesis Presented to the University of Waterloo in Fulfilment
of the Thesis Requirement for the Degree of Applied Science in Civil Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
Zschuppe, R. 2001. Pulse Flow Enhancement in Two-Phase Media. A Thesis Presented to the University of Waterloo in Fulfilment of the
Thesis Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
SPE-192283-MS 12

Figures

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Baseline Static Injection Pressure

Amplitude

Fluid Pressure
Pressure Decay Rate

Rise Baseline Fluid Pressure in Borehole

Time
Period
Time
Rise‐ Time. This refers to the time frame in which the maximum amplitude of the fluid impulse occurs. Rise‐time triggers
elastic deformations of the matrix. It is desirable to optimize rise‐time based on formation permeability.
Amplitude. This refers to the magnitude of the impact of the fluid impulse on the onset of the tools piston shifting open.
Amplitude dictates inflow of fluids into the porous medium. In almost all cases due to instantaneous displacement efficiency
the fluid pulse amplitude does not exceed the local fracture pressure of the porous medium. Displacement efficiency is
defined as the percentage of net fluid volume entering the medium relative to the volume injected during a pulse.
Pressure Decay Rate. This refers to the pressure bleed off rate of the formation. For low permeability formations the bleed
rate tends to be longer hence the number of pulses per minute reduced. Conversely for higher permeability formations where
bleed off is quick the number of pulses per minute increases.
Period. This refers to the time between successive fluid pulses generated by the dynamic fluid pulsing tool.

Fig. 1—Theorectical waveform associated with dynamic fluid pulsing.

Porosity Variation @ 5% PHIo vs Pulse Amplitude

5.0E-05

4.0E-05
Porosity Change [v/v]

3.0E-05

2.0E-05

1.0E-05

∆ɸ/ɸ_2500 ft
9.0E-20 ∆ɸ/ɸ_5000 ft
∆ɸ/ɸ_10000 ft
∆ɸ/ɸ_20000 ft
-1.0E-05
300 600 900 1200
Pulse Pressure [psi]

Fig. 2—Porosity change versus pulse amplitude during dynamic fluid placement.
SPE-192283-MS 13

Porosity Variation @ 5% PHIovs Measured Depth

Porosity Change [v/v]
0.0E+00 1.0E-05 2.0E-05 3.0E-05 4.0E-05 5.0E-05

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0

2500

5000
Measured Depth MD [ft]

7500

10000

12500

15000
∆ɸ/ɸ_300 psi
17500 ∆ɸ/ɸ_600 psi
∆ɸ/ɸ_900 psi
20000 ∆ɸ/ɸ_1200 psi

22500

Fig. 3—Porosity change versus measured depth during dynamic fluid placement.

Porosity Variation @ 20% PHIo vs Pulse Amplitude

2.5E-04

2.0E-04
Porosity Change [v/v]

1.5E-04

1.0E-04

∆ɸ/ɸ_2500 ft
5.0E-05
∆ɸ/ɸ_5000 ft
∆ɸ/ɸ_10000 ft
∆ɸ/ɸ_20000 ft
0.0E+00
300 600 900 1200
Pulse Pressure [psi]

Fig. 4—Porosity change versus pulse amplitude during dynamic fluid placement.
SPE-192283-MS 14

Porosity Variation @ 20% PHIovs Measured Depth

Porosity Change [v/v]
0.0E+00 5.0E-05 1.0E-04 1.5E-04 2.0E-04 2.5E-04

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0

2500

5000
Measured Depth MD [ft]

7500

10000

12500

15000

17500 ∆ɸ/ɸ_300 psi

∆ɸ/ɸ_600 psi
20000 ∆ɸ/ɸ_900 psi
∆ɸ/ɸ_1200 psi
22500

Fig. 5—Porosity change versus measured depth during dynamic fluid placement.

1.2

r0 r1 r2 r3
1.0
Saturation, Si

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4
Distance from Injection Point
Fig. 6—Viscous fingering curve used in the dynamic fluid pulsing model.
SPE-192283-MS 15

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Fig. 7—Cavitation-based cleaning tool side view.

Fig. 8—Cavitation-based cleaning tool operational principles.

Fig. 9—Cavitation-based cleaning tool “Laundry Effect”.

Fig. 10—Operational modes of a cavitation-based cleaning tool.

Fig. 11—Magnetics-based dynamic fluid pulsing tool.

SPE-192283-MS 16

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Fig. 12— Middle East well 1 details for modeling.

Fig. 13— Middle East well 1 radius of influence (ROI) versus measured depth.

Fig. 14— Middle East well 1 fluid contact volume as a function of porosity and permeability.
SPE-192283-MS 17

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Fig. 15— Pre and post dynamic fluid pulse stimulation results for two oil producers and two water injectors.

Fig. 16— Pre-dynamic fluid pulse stimulation PLT log results for a California, USA sandstone water injection well.

Fig. 17— Post-dynamic fluid pulse stimulation PLT log results for a California, USA sandstone water injection well.