A B S T R A C T

Apuntes

A B S T R A C T In the last two decades, ultrasound (US) technologies research has increasingly earned attention for applications in the oil and gas industry. Numerous laboratory and field research have proven ultrasonics as an efficient, sustainable and cost-effective technology for improving well productivity. This paper pursues the elaboration of a comprehensive review of the most recent research related to ultrasonic technologies for applications in the oil and gas industry. Statistical analysis of different functional categories and classification of the research publi- cations were performed. Considering the research reviewed, there is a huge gap between numerical and field studies in comparison with the numerous laboratory studies, deeming it necessary to increase efforts on developing mathematical and numerical models and field-testing cases of the ultrasonic effect. A comprehensive review of the ultrasonic waves’ mechanisms of action for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and emulsification/ demulsification was conducted. Despite the lack of consensus regarding the mechanisms, cavitation and thermal effects on wellbore fluid and formation rock have been widely accepted as two of...