The effects of wellbore stone materials and fluid density on the shock wave induced by plasma pulse system propagation in rock: An analytical and experimental study

Abstract

A pulsed plasma system is a highly efficient tool for linking wells to reservoirs to repair near-wellbore damage and restore production. This research aims to create a computational model and experimental setup to delve into the generation and spread of shock waves from electrical discharge. It also explores the influence of different stone wall materials such as limestone, sandstone, and dolomite, along with varied fluid densities such as saline water and drilling mud. Results show that when an electrical current passes through a metal wire, the wire explosively disintegrates, creating a plasma pulse that applies pressure shock to the stone walls, leading to crack formation. It is important to note that the explosion’s energy can be increased by raising the capacitor’s energy and modifying the circuit’s inductance. Analyzing the impact of fluid density on the shock wave reveals that enhancing the plasma pulse system and attaining higher energy levels can be achieved by using materials with higher viscosity. In terms of stone wall materials, limestone demonstrates superior mechanical stability, dolomite exhibits moderate stability, and sandstone shows relatively lower stability in crack growth.