A new analytical modeling of Asphaltene-Induced Formation Damage under Ultrasonic Stimulation

Although there are evidences on efficiency of the ultrasonic waves in asphaltene damage removal, a little is known about the modeling of permeability enhancement due to ultrasonic waves radiation towards the asphaltene-induced damaged formations. This study presents a novel analytical stimulation on formation asphaltene damage with an approach to the ultrasonic stimulation. By attending the hydraulic radius concept, filtration theories in porous media and ultrasonic effects on asphaltene particle size, a theoretical and relative statics model has been developed. In addition to examining the effects of asphaltene particle size distribution on permeability impairment, a Sensitivity Analysis has been presented to clarify the relationship between asphaltene adsorption parameters and permeability alteration. Literature experimental results confirm the permeability damage predicted by the current modeling for five volume injection of Asphaltenic oil. Furthermore, it has been proved that sonicated samples of crude oil cause less asphaltene-induced damage in the porous media due to solvent injection.