This invention provides a method for improving oil recovery, preferably a
high-viscosity oil relying on gravity drainage, by applying vibrational
energy. A fracture is created at a wellbore and a fluid displacement
device is inserted at or near the fracture opening. The optimum oil
mobilization frequency and amplitude is determined. The fluid inside the
fracture is oscillated to a prescribed range of frequency and amplitude to
improve oil production. Applications for using the fracture as a delivery
device for vibrational energy to enhance performance of the steam-assisted
gravity drainage process, vapor-extraction gravity drainage, or cyclic
steam process are provided. An application to improve recovery of heavy
oil by aquifer drive or peripheral waterflood is also provided.
