Ring Electrode Device and Method For Generating High-Pressure Pulses

摘要

A method, system, and electrode assembly are disclosed that maximizes the lifetime of electrodes for high energy electrical discharges in water by arranging the electrodes in concentric rings or a stack of concentric rings. The radii and the thickness of the ring electrodes are optimized for electrical reliability, low jitter, and minimal erosion. In one embodiment, the electrode assembly is configured to be disposed in a subterranean dielectric medium, receive an electric current pulse having a length of time greater than 100 microseconds, and form an electric arc between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby producing a pressure pulse axially away from the insulator.

主权项

1. A method for generating high-pressure pulses in a dielectric medium to generate fractures in a subterranean reservoir, the method comprising:
providing a wellbore in fluid communication with a producing zone of a hydrocarbon bearing formation; positioning an electrode assembly within the wellbore in a dielectric medium, the electrode assembly having a first electrode and a second electrode that is disposed radially outward from the first electrode such that a gap is defined therebetween; and delivering an electric current pulse to the electrode assembly, the electric current pulse having a length of time greater than 100 microseconds, such that an electric arc is formed between the first electrode and second electrode, thereby producing a sufficient pressure pulse in the dielectric medium to induce or extend fractures in the hydrocarbon bearing formation.