This paper describes the development of a downhole cleaning device based on fluidic oscillation. This fluidic oscillator is used for removal of deposits from the near-wellbore area, perforations, and screens. The cleaning device creates pressure waves within the wellbore and formation fluids that (1) break up near-wellbore damage and (2) restore and enhance the permeability of the perforations and near-wellbore area.

Fluidic oscillators have been used for various purposes in a wide range of industries for many years. They typically exhibit reliable oscillation over a wide range of flow rates and have no moving parts. The cleaning tools presented here are specifically designed for high-pressure, submerged operation and maximum pressure-pulse amplitude. The unique design has been carefully refined through theoretical and experimental methods.

This paper discusses fluidic oscillator theory and presents a numerical analysis of a specific oscillator design, as well as an analysis of experimental test data at various flow rates. The provided case histories demonstrate the utility of fluidic oscillation as a wellbore-cleaning device.

Keywords:
production logging, production monitoring, Completion Installation and Operations, Upstream Oil & Gas, Reservoir Surveillance, Drillstem Testing, near-wellbore area, Fluid Dynamics, flow rate, oscillation
Subjects:
Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Reservoir Fluid Dynamics, Formation Evaluation & Management, Perforating, Production logging, Flow in porous media, Drillstem/well testing, Completion Installation and Operations, Completion Operations
Copyright 2006, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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