Seismic waves pulsing through rock layers, revitalizing oil deposits

Eco-Friendly Oil Recovery: How Seismic Stimulation Can Boost Your Well's Potential

Mira Elwood in Climate & Environment June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how seismic stimulation offers a greener, cost-effective alternative to traditional EOR methods, enhancing oil production while minimizing environmental impact."

Environmental and economic considerations have spurred increased interest in seismic stimulation as an alternative to enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methodologies. Unlike traditional methods such as gas, thermal, and chemical injections, seismic stimulation requires lower investments and minimizes environmental impact, making it an attractive option for modern oil recovery operations.

Applied Seismic Research (ASR), based in McKinney, Texas, has been at the forefront of this technology, deploying its proprietary seismic stimulation tools in over 50 locations worldwide, including fields in Arkansas, California, Canada, Egypt, Kansas, Mexico, Oklahoma, Oman, and Texas. The widespread application of this technology underscores its potential and adaptability across diverse geological settings.

This article will delve into the operational mechanics of seismic stimulation tools and highlight the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) results achieved across various formations. By understanding the science and application of this method, stakeholders can appreciate its role in promoting sustainable and efficient oil production.

What is Seismic Stimulation?

Seismic waves pulsing through rock layers, revitalizing oil deposits

Seismic stimulation involves harnessing low-frequency, high-energy elastic waves to mobilize oil. The method traces back to the 1950s, when natural earthquakes were observed to increase oil production by up to 45%. Early attempts in the 1980s to replicate these effects using surface vibrators were largely unsuccessful commercially. However, later development of tools capable of generating subsurface shockwaves proved more promising, leading ASR to secure the first patent for this technology in 2000.

In-situ seismic stimulation may represent one of the most environmentally friendly EOR options currently available. Unlike traditional EOR methods, it does not involve injecting potentially harmful fluids or chemicals into the earth. This approach is implemented within a completely closed wellbore, ensuring no hydraulic communication with the formation.

Manages groundwater contamination from harmful chemicals.
Reduces the need for treatment, transport, and disposal of large volumes of contaminated wastewater.
Mitigates the environmental consequences associated with the intense energy and carbon use typical of thermal injections.

The seismic stimulation tool features a lifespan of up to 1.5 years with minimal maintenance requirements. It is powered by a conventional pumping unit and can be deployed in abandoned wells at depths ranging from 700 to 10,000 feet. The tool is easily transported to well sites in three preassembled segments within a single crate. Once installed in an abandoned wellbore, it is connected to a rod string and then to a pumping unit. The pumping unit drives the movement of three plungers within the tool simultaneously. The lowest plunger contains a traveling valve that facilitates fluid intake. When the plunger reaches the top of its stroke, it exits the lower barrel, releasing highly compressed fluids and creating elastic waves.

Looking Ahead

The data suggest that seismic stimulation is a viable approach across a range of formations including carbonate, sandstone, and diatomite formations. Optimal results are typically seen in mature oil fields that have a gas/oil ratio less than 2,000 scf/bbl and an API gravity higher than 13°, indicating the method's effectiveness in specific geological conditions.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is seismic stimulation and how does it work to enhance oil recovery?

Seismic stimulation is a technique that uses low-frequency, high-energy elastic waves to mobilize oil within a reservoir. These waves are generated by a specialized tool, which is powered by a conventional pumping unit and deployed within a wellbore. The tool utilizes plungers to compress fluids, releasing them to create subsurface shockwaves. This process helps to increase oil production, offering a greener alternative to traditional methods.

How does seismic stimulation compare to traditional enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods in terms of environmental impact?

Unlike traditional EOR methods like gas, thermal, and chemical injections, seismic stimulation is considered more environmentally friendly. It doesn't involve injecting potentially harmful fluids or chemicals into the earth, thus avoiding groundwater contamination. Also, it reduces the need for treating, transporting, and disposing of large volumes of contaminated wastewater and mitigates environmental consequences related to intense energy and carbon use. It is implemented within a completely closed wellbore, ensuring no hydraulic communication with the formation.

Where has Applied Seismic Research (ASR) successfully implemented seismic stimulation tools, and what does this tell us?

Applied Seismic Research (ASR) has deployed its seismic stimulation tools in over 50 locations globally, including fields in Arkansas, California, Canada, Egypt, Kansas, Mexico, Oklahoma, Oman, and Texas. This widespread deployment demonstrates the technology's adaptability and potential across diverse geological settings, suggesting its viability and effectiveness in various conditions and formations. The technology has been used in formations such as carbonate, sandstone, and diatomite formations.

What are the operational and mechanical aspects of the seismic stimulation tool, and how is it deployed?

The seismic stimulation tool is designed for ease of deployment and long-term use. The tool comes in three preassembled segments and can be transported to well sites in a single crate. It is designed for abandoned wells at depths ranging from 700 to 10,000 feet. The tool is powered by a conventional pumping unit, which drives the movement of three plungers. The lowest plunger contains a traveling valve that facilitates fluid intake. As the plunger reaches the top of its stroke, it releases highly compressed fluids, creating elastic waves. The tool has a lifespan of up to 1.5 years with minimal maintenance requirements.

What geological conditions and oil characteristics are most suitable for seismic stimulation to achieve optimal results?

Optimal results from seismic stimulation are typically observed in mature oil fields that have a gas/oil ratio less than 2,000 scf/bbl and an API gravity higher than 13°. This indicates the method's effectiveness in specific geological conditions. The data suggests that seismic stimulation is a viable approach across a range of formations, including carbonate, sandstone, and diatomite formations. Understanding these parameters helps in selecting the right fields for the technology, maximizing its efficiency and economic benefits.