Wavefront Technology Solutions: Difference between revisions

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{{More citations needed|date=March 2024}}{{Infobox company

{{orphan|date=August 2010}}

| name = Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc.

| logo = NewlogoWavefront.jpg

| logo_size = 270px

| type = [[Public company|Public]]

| traded_as = {{Tsxv|WEE}}<br />{{OTC Expert|WFTSF}}

| company_slogan =

| foundation = {{Start date|1997}} by Brett Davidson

| ___location = [[Edmonton]], [[Alberta]], [[Canada]]

| num_employees = 27 (''2010'')

| industry = [[Petroleum industry]]

| products = Powerwave <br /> Primawave

| revenue = {{profit}} US$1.61 million (''2021'')

| operating_income = {{loss}} $1.57 million (''2021'')

| net_income = {{loss}} $1.37 million (''2021'')

| assets =

| equity =

| homepage = [http://www.onthewavefront.com/ www.onthewavefront.com]

| footnotes = [https://onthewavefront.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-Audited-Consolidated-Financial-Statements.pdf], [https://www.sedarplus.ca/csa-party/records/document.html?id=b967389aed461c4fd943e9fd8bb84b4e8bc9cbdc8a8b343f7dea767d6137aa1e]

}}<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Wavefront Heartbeat Moving Gif.gif|right|thumb|280px|Powerwave's fluid pulse expands and contracts porous rock]] -->

'''Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc.''' is a provider of secondary oil recovery and environmental technologies. The company was founded in 1997 as PE-TECH by Brett Davidson and [[University of Alberta]] professor Tim Spanos.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 27, 2011 |title=Cantech Letter interviews Brett Davidson, CEO of Wavefront Technology |url=https://www.cantechletter.com/2011/09/cantech-letter-interviews-brett-davidson-ceo-of-wavefront-technology/#}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=March 2024}} The company was later renamed to Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} The company provides technology to aid in the recovery of stranded oil, which uses pulse technology to simulate the effects of the [[aftershock]] of an [[earthquake]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cantechletter.com/2010/10/jim-letourneau-on-wavefront-wavefront-technology-solutionstsxvwee/|title = Jim Letourneau on Wavefront Technology Solutions (TSXV:WEE)|date = 23 October 2010}}</ref> This technology is used for fluid flow optimization having applications in both the environmental and energy sectors. In the environmental sector, the process is marketed as Primawave, while in the energy sector it is marketed as Powerwave.

{{Infobox company

| company_name = Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc.

| company_logo = [[Image:NewlogoWavefront.jpg|270px]]

| company_type = [[Public company|Public]]

| traded_as = {{Tsxv|WEE}}

| company_slogan =

| foundation = {{Start date|1997}} by Brett Davidson

| ___location = [[Edmonton, Alberta]], [[CANADA]]

| area_served = Worldwide

| num_employees = 31 (''2008'')

| industry = [[Petroleum industry]]

| products = Powerwave <br /> Primawave

| revenue = {{profit}} [[United States dollar|USD]] 1.53 Million (''2007'') [http://onthewavefront.com/Files/IR/Financials/2007/Annual%20Management%20Discussion%20&%20Analysis.pdf]

| operating_income = {{profit}} [[United States dollar|USD]] 7.252 Million (''2007'') [http://onthewavefront.com/Files/IR/Financials/2007/Annual%20Management%20Discussion%20&%20Analysis.pdf]

| net_income = {{loss}} [[United States dollar|USD]] 4.34 Million (''2007'') [http://onthewavefront.com/Files/IR/Financials/2007/Annual%20Management%20Discussion%20&%20Analysis.pdf]

| assets =

| equity =

| homepage = [http://www.onthewavefront.com/ www.onthewavefront.com]

}}

[[Image:Wavefront Heartbeat Moving Gif.gif|right|thumb|400px|Powerwave's fluid pulse expands and contracts porous rock]]

The company's '''Powerwave''' technology has been put to use in more than 175 well applications throughout North America, including applications in California, Oklahoma, and Alberta.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

'''Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc.''' ({{Tsxv|WEE}}) is one of North America's largest providers of [[secondary oil recovery]] and environmental technologies. The company was founded in [[1997]] as PE-TECH by [[CEO]] Brett Davidson and [[University of Alberta]] professor Tim Spanos.<ref name=Financials>[http://onthewavefront.com/Files/IR/Financials/2007/Audited%20Financial%20Statements.pdf 2007 Annual Audited Financial Statements ]</ref> The company was later changed to Wavefront Technologies and Environmental Services and then Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc. and is best [http://www.cantechletter.com/2010/10/jim-letourneau-on-wavefront-wavefront-technology-solutionstsxvwee/ known for its patented technology that sends pulses through the ground to simulate the effects of the [[aftershock<nowiki>]]</nowiki> of an [[earthquake<nowiki>]]</nowiki>] to aid in the recovery of stranded oil. These technologies simulate the beating of a heart - when a heart pumps, it sends pulses through the bodies [[blood vessels]], causing the network of [[capillaries]] to expand and contract. When a pulse is applied to the ground, it expands and contracts the [[porous]] rock, essentially freeing the trapped oil.<ref name=Shudder>[http://www.albertaventure.com/?p=2828&year=2008 A Shudder in the Oilpatch]</ref> This technology is used for fluid flow optimization having applications in both the environmental and energy sectors. In the environmental sector the process is marketed as Primawave, while in the energy sector it is marketed as Powerwave.<ref name=Financials/>

The company is headquartered in [[Edmonton]], [[Alberta]], [[Canada]], and has offices in [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]], and [[Cambridge, Ontario]]. The company also has offices in [[Houston|Houston, Texas]] and [[Raleigh, North Carolina]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

Powerwave technology has been put to use in more than 175 well applications throughout North America, including applications in California, Oklahoma and Alberta.<ref>[http://onthewavefront.com/press_room-quick-facts.html Wavefront Press Room Quick Facts]</ref> Powerwave has already been used in the field by [[EnCana]], [[Penn West Energy Trust]], [[Pengrowth Energy Trust]], [[BP]], [[Chevron Corporation|Chevron]] and [[Apache Corporation]], among others.

Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc. is headquartered in [[Edmonton]], [[Alberta]] [[Canada]] and has offices in [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]] and [[Cambridge, Ontario]]. The company also has offices in [[Houston]], and [[Raleigh, North Carolina]].

== History ==

Brett Davidson and University of Alberta professor Tim Spanos teamed up in 1997 to fulfill a need that they believed to exist in the [[Onshore (hydrocarbons)|onshore]] oil drilling industry. While working on an oil well [[stimulation]] site in [[Alberta]], [[Canada]], Davidson heard from a friend in the industry that there was a need for fast, effective, and inexpensive stimulation treatment for oil wells.<ref name="Nickles">Nickles New Technology Magazine - July 1999. "Good Vibrations"</ref>

Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc., was founded in 1997 under the name PE-TECH Inc. (Pulse Enhancement Technology Inc.).<ref name=Financials/> PE-TECH, a [[privately held company]] holding [[intellectual property]] operated three [[subsidiaries]]; Prism Production Technologies Inc., Wavefront Environmental Technologies Inc., and E2 Solutions Inc. (US [[subsidiary]] standing for "Energy and Environmental").<ref name=Financials/> In 2000 the [[shareholders]] of the [[privately held]] PE-TECH Inc., entered into an agreement with a [[publicly listed company]] (or in this case a shell of a company) on the [[TSX Venture Exchange]].

In 1997 Davidson and Spanos established PE-TECH Inc. (Pulse Enhancement Technology Inc.). PE-TECH operated three [[subsidiaries]]; Prism Production Technologies Inc., Wavefront Environmental Technologies Inc., and E2 Solutions Inc. (US [[subsidiary]] standing for "Energy and Environmental").{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} In 2000 the [[shareholders]] of the [[privately held]] PE-TECH Inc. entered an agreement with a [[publicly listed company]] (or in this case a shell of a company) on the [[TSX Venture Exchange]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

A [[reverse takeover]] of that entity transformed PE-TECH Inc., from a [[privately held company]] to a [[publicly traded company]] under the name Wavefront Energy and Environmental Services Inc. For consistency in name branding Prism Production Technologies was renamed Wavefront Reservoir Technologies Inc., Wavefront Environmental Technologies was rolled into Wavefront Reservoir Technologies Inc. and E2 Solutions Inc. was renamed Wavefront Energy and Environmental Services USA Inc.<ref name=Financials/> Effective March 27, 2009 the company’s name was changed to “Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc.”

A [[reverse takeover]] of that entity transformed PE-TECH Inc., from a [[privately held company]] to a [[publicly traded company]] under the name Wavefront Energy and Environmental Services Inc. For consistency in name branding, Prism Production Technologies was renamed Wavefront Reservoir Technologies Inc., Wavefront Environmental Technologies was rolled into Wavefront Reservoir Technologies Inc., and E2 Solutions Inc. was renamed Wavefront Energy and Environmental Services USA Inc.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}} Effective March 27, 2009, the company's name was changed to "Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc."{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

== Rationale ==

[[Image:Trapped Oil in soil.jpg|right|thumb|400px|Diagram of trapped oil in soil and rock]]

== Products ==

Brett Davidson and University of Alberta professor Tim Spanos teamed up in 1997 to fulfill a need that they believed to exist in the [[onshore]] oil drilling industry. While working on oil well [[stimulation]] site in [[Alberta]], [[Canada]], Davidson heard from a friend in the industry that there was a need for fast, effective, and inexpensive stimulation treatment for oil wells.<ref name=Nickles>Nickles New Technology Magazine - July 1999. "Good Vibrations"</ref>

Wavefront offers two primary products, Powerwave targeting the Energy sector and Primawave targeting the Environmental sector. The two technologies operate on the same basic scientific principal, utilizing a [[Pulse (physics)|pulse]] that momentarily expands the pore structure of rock and soil to improve liquid flow in the ground.

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Power Pulse Good Vibrations.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Early prototype of the Premier Pulse Tool.]] -->=== Powerwave ===

After using the most sophisticated oil recovery techniques, oil companies only retrieve a fraction of the [[crude oil]] at their sites. The oil well will become too uneconomical to continue pumping because most of the remaining oil is stuck in the

nooks and crannies between the rock and sand.<ref name=Enhanced>[http://fossil.energy.gov/programs/oilgas/eor/ Enhance Oil Recovery]</ref>

In the energy sector, Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc. has trademarked the Power Pulse Technology as '''Powerwave''',<ref>{{Cite web |title=United States Patent and Trademark Office case 77076902 |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=77076902}}</ref> which is primarily focused on [[Enhanced oil recovery|secondary oil recovery]]. Powerwave utilizes this technology to improve the flow of water through [[geological]] materials, including [[sedimentary]] soils and fractured rock. These materials are composed of a solid [[Matrix (geology)|matrix]] and pore structure, which contain fluids such as gas and oil.<ref name="Shudder">[http://www.albertaventure.com/?p=2828&year=2008 A Shudder in the Oilpatch]</ref>

Even after all work is done, around 60% of oil is left in the ground. With more than 200,000 fields in [[North America]] alone, extracting even as little as 10% more oil would translate to billions of more barrels of oil recovered.<ref name=Shudder/>

The Powerwave tool generates a fluid [[displacement (fluid)|displacement]] wave in the [[porous]] media akin to [[Capillary wave|ripples]] from a stone thrown in a pond. These ripples generate high liquid [[accelerations]] in the pores facing liquids out or treatment fluids in.<ref name=DeepWave>[http://www.halliburton.com/public/pe/contents/Data_Sheets/web/H/H04531.pdf H04531 DeepWave SDS]</ref>

=== Primary Oil Recovery Stage ===

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:OilPowerwave WellTool.pngjpg|right|thumb|300px|DiagramPowerwave oftool oiltoday well– withonly perforationsone meter high]] -->

During primary recovery, the natural pressure of the reservoir or gravity drive oil into the wellbore, combined with artificial lift techniques (such as pumps) which bring the oil to the surface. But only about 10 percent of a reservoir's original oil in place is typically produced during primary recovery.<ref name=Enhanced/>

But [[petroleum]] isn’t the only thing trapped in the earth. Water hides there too. Sooner or later, the reservoir begins producing water, along with oil, and it becomes uneconomical to continue. The oil companies will then re-inject the water back into the reservoir. This stage of production is called [[secondary recovery]].<ref name=Enhanced/>

=== Secondary Oil Recovery Stage ===

Water injection helps maintain [[downhole]] pressure so that oil can continue to flow. Water from the injection well is also used to sweep or push the oil towards the producing wells. But rock in the [[reservoir]] has varying [[Permeability (earth sciences)|permeabilities]]; the more permeable the rock is, the more easily the fluid can flow through.<ref name=Enhanced/>

[[Image:Paths of least resistance.jpg|left|thumb|275px|Water takes the path of least resistance when pumped into the ground]]

Unfortunately, water flows more readily than oil, and it always takes the [[path of least resistance]]. Once water creates a channel through the permeable rock to the producing wellbore, there is little benefit in injecting additional water. It only bypasses the oil instead of sweeping it ahead. The result is poor recovery from the reservoir.<ref name=Stimulation>[http://www.epmag.com/archives/features/2485.htm Oil Well stimulation improved ]</ref>

== Products and Technologies ==

Wavefront Technology Solutions's patented technology was created to combat the “[[paths of least resistance]]”. In this way, the Powerwave and the Primawave share the same scientific principles. This technology, originally penned as "Power Pulse Technology", uses pulses to improve the liquid flow in the ground for improved oil recovery (IOR) in the energy sector and [[groundwater remediation]] in the environmental sector. These identical processes generate a fluid [[pulse]] that momentarily expands the pore structure of rock and soil. Liquid is then able to flow freely and more uniformly.<ref name=Injection>[http://onthewavefront.com/injection-oil-recovery.html Injection Oil Recovery ]</ref>

Early iterations of Wavefront Technology Solutions's Power Pulse Technology were penned the “Premier Pulse Tool”. The Premier Pulse Tool, or PPT for short, was a two-meter long steel [[mandrel]] with a valve system on top and inverted swab cups on the bottom.<ref name=Nickles/>

[[Image:Water after powerwave.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Diagram of how Powerwave and Primawave’s fluid pulses generate a more uniform flow of liquid.]]

[[Image:Power Pulse Good Vibrations.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Early prototype of the Premier Pulse Tool.]]

Using a standard well servicing rig, the PPT would be lowered to a ___location above the well perforations. The tool would then be raised up eight meters and dropped. This was done between 200-550 times over eight to 12 hours.<ref name=Nickles/>

This workover and field stimulation technique used steady, non-seismic pulse vibrations to knock out [[perforation]] blockage and create a tsunami-like wave effect that encouraged flow in the reservoir.<ref name=Nickles/>

This technology, utilized in both the Powerwave and Primawave, generates a fluid pressure pulse that causes a momentary elastic flexure of the pore structure. This pressure pulse moves fluid in and out of a larger number of pore networks, obtaining a more uniform injection front.<ref name=Injection/>

=== Powerwave ===

In the energy sector, Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc. has patented the Power Pulse Technology as “Powerwave.” This process has been field-tested and proven to increase the amount of oil recovered from [[on shore]] oil wells, including low-producing or even abandoned fields.<ref name=Revenue>[http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/columnists/story.html?id=9732b369-39db-428b-ac25-01b8d5fc15cb&k=76064 Wavefront ready to flow revenue]</ref>

Powerwave utilizes this technology to improve the flow of water through [[geological]] materials, including [[sedimentary]] soils and fractured rock. These materials are composed of a solid [[Matrix (geology)|matrix]] and pore structure, which contain fluids such as gas and oil.<ref name=Shudder/>

The Powerwave tool generates a fluid [[displacement (fluid)|displacement]] wave in the [[porous]] media akin to [[Capillary wave|ripples]] from a stone thrown in a pond. These ripples generate high liquid [[accelerations]] in the pores facing liquids out, or treatment fluids in.<ref name=DeepWave>[http://www.halliburton.com/public/pe/contents/Data_Sheets/web/H/H04531.pdf H04531 DeepWave SDS]</ref>

[[Image:Powerwave Tool.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Powerwave tool today – only one meter high]]

In the ten plus years that the technology behind Powerwave has been developed by Wavefront Technologies and Environmental Services, it has evolved from a product that cost nearly $1 to make and had to be transported using two tractor trailers to one that can be shipped via [[courier]].<ref name=Shudder/> The Powerwave tool now is only one meter high and eight centimeters in diameter. Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc. leases the product to oil companies and charges around $3,000 a month for a minimum 12-month period.<ref name=Shudder/>

Powerwave’s ability to improve uniformity in oil wells has translated to higher production rates, extending the life of a field, and enhancing its value.<ref name=Revenue/> In Texas, one recent field trial raised production rates from eight wells by 26%. A similar project in Alberta, Canada initially raised output by 18%.<ref name=Revenue/>

=== Primawave ===

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Power Pulse Tool2.jpg|left|thumb|175px|Premier Pulse Tool in 1998]] -->

In the environmental sector, Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc. has patented the Power Pulse Technology as “Primawave.” Primawave is used largely in the United States. It is licensed to service providers to use the process in conjunction with established methods to treat and eliminate hazardous chemicals from contaminated groundwater.<ref name=Primawave>[http://onthewavefront.com/environmental-groundwater-remediation.html Primawave Article ]</ref>

[[NASA]] once used Primawave to clean up soil that had been contaminated with [[tetrachloroethylene]] (dry-cleaning fluid). In the 1960s NASA had used the hazardous chemical to remove the soot generated by rockets from the launch site.<ref name=Shudder/>

In the environmental sector, Wavefront Technology Solutions Inc. has trademarked the Power Pulse Technology as '''Primawave'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=United States Patent and Trademark Office case 77076918 |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=77076918}}</ref> Primawave is used largely in the United States. It is licensed to service providers to use the process in conjunction with established methods to treat and eliminate hazardous chemicals from contaminated groundwater.<ref name=Primawave>[http://onthewavefront.com/environmental-groundwater-remediation.html Primawave Article ]</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).|date=March 2024}}

Years after using the chemical, the area was saturated with [[carcinogens]]. NASA knew that a mixture including iron [[Fill dirt|fillings]] would [[decontaminate]] the soil. NASA then used the Primawave to get the fillings into the ground.<ref name=Shudder/>

==See also==

Line 97 ⟶ 53:

* [[Enhanced Oil Recovery]]

* [[Water injection (oil production)]]

* [[Flood]]

* [[Oil reserves]]

* [[Reservoir simulation]]

* [[Peak Oil]]

* [[United States oil politics]]

* [[Petroleum politics]]

* [[Energy security]]

* [[Oil sands]]

* [[Stripper well]]

* [[Workover]]

* [[Well intervention]]

==References, organisations, and major companies==

{{Reflist}}

{{Petroleum industry}}

[[Category:TechnologyCompanies companiestraded over-the-counter in the United States]]

[[Category:PetroleumCompanies technologylisted on the TSX Venture Exchange]]

[[Category:Petroleum in Canada]]

[[Category:Technology companies established in 1997]]

[[Category:Technology companies of Canada]]

[[Category:Companies based in Edmonton]]