Abstract: A surfactant composition for use in well treatment, particularly for removing oil-based mud deposits from a well prior to cementing, comprises an alkylpolyglucoside in a solution of a mutual solvent for water and hydrocarbon. The composition can be used to formulate a chemical wash by dissolving the composition at a concentration of about 1%-10% (e.g. 5%) by weight in water or brine.

Abstract: A sand screen having a shroud with a channel for routing of a control line and associated methods and systems. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a well includes a structure that has a region that is adapted to receive a tubing hanger interface. The system also includes at least one communication connection that penetrates the structure below the region to receive the tubing hanger interface.

Abstract: A system that is useable in a subterranean well includes conveying an elongated strip from a surface of the well downhole into the well; and spirally wrapping the strip to form a tubular structure in the well.

Abstract: The combination of the cement contamination laboratory measurements and the field log measurement allows to perform the evaluation of cement placement and quality related to the designed percentage cement displacement coverage and set-up times in the casing annulus. Since the logging time after the cement job is completed is known, a comparison between the acoustic impedance or compressive strength measured using the USI log and the acoustic impedance or the compressive strength measured in the laboratory, a level of mud contamination can be derived at every point across the wellbore. From the laboratory correlations, cement strength prediction with time can be established. This new product will give the operator an accurate tool to recommend performing remedial cementing with a higher success rate.

Abstract: A technique includes measuring a first pressure of well fluid in a first region. The well fluid is produced from a formation into the first region. A second pressure of well fluid is measured in a second region. The second region is isolated from the first region, and the well fluid in the second region is in communication with the formation characteristics (skin, horizontal permeability or vertical permeability, as examples) of the formation is determined from the first and second measured pressures.

Abstract: A system that is useable in a subterranean well includes a tubular structure that is formed from a spirally wound strip, and the tubular structure is provided downhole in the subterranean well.

Abstract: A valve assembly to control the intake of fluid. The valve assembly has a valve body and a valve choke disposed therein. The valve choke has a choke bore through the interior of the valve choke. The valve choke has a plurality of orifices to the choke bore spaced at intervals along the valve choke. A seal is disposed between the valve body and valve choke. The valve system is operable to position the valve choke so that the seal is positioned between the valve body and the valve choke at the intervals between the plurality of orifices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a window in a downhole structure, such as a casing or a liner, includes a mandrel that supports milling elements arranged in a predetermined pattern. In one example, the milling elements are arranged in one or more continuous channels each having a generally helical pattern. The milling elements are able to cut the window in the downhole structure substantially continuously to the desired size.

Abstract: A method for designing acid treatments provides for the selection of optimal treatment for well stimulation wherein reservoir characteristics are obtained to further select the reaction kinetic data on the minerals of interests, the treatment to the reservoir is scaled up using a mathematical model and real time damage are computed based on bottomhole pressure and injection rate and compared to that predicted by the mathematical model to adjust the treatment. The model generated facilitates optimization of matrix treatments by providing a rapid quantitative evaluation of various treatment strategies for a formation. Stimulation with non-traditional fluid recipes containing mixtures of inorganic and organic acids, and chelating agents can be readily computed. The computed values can then be used in an economic model to justify the additional costs associated with the use of the non-traditional fluids.

Abstract: This Invention relates to a novel reversible thickener, i.e., a fluid whose viscosity can be carefully modulated—from very low viscosity to sufficient viscosity to act as a barrier to further flow; particularly preferred embodiments are directed to fluids and methods for stimulating hydrocarbon low viscosity to sufficient viscosity to act as a barrier to further flow; particularly preferred—bearing formations—i.e., to increase the production of oil/gas from the formation. In particular, the Present Invention is directed to a family of fluids (and methods incorporating those fluids) intended to be pumped through a wellbore and into the hydrocarbon-bearing formation.

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing the production of hydrocarbons from shaly formations that contain adsorbed condensed hydrocarbon gases by treating such formations with dewatering compositions comprising surfactants that cause the surfaces of the formation to be or to remain oil-wet. The methods may be used in stimulation (acidizing or acid fracturing or hydraulic fracturing), remediation or workover, and in enhancing flow from natural fractures or from unstimulated formations.

Abstract: A component, such as an electric motor, for use in a subterranean environment. The component comprises an attached recording system to record the cumulative use time of the component. The recording system typically includes a timing circuit or other circuit to output data related to use of the component. This data is recorded by a recording device to maintain a cumulative total.

Abstract: An apparatus usable in a subterranean well includes a valve, a first mechanism, a second mechanism, and a lock. The valve controls communication between an exterior region that surrounds the valve and an inner passageway of the valve. The first mechanism causes the valve to transition from a first state to a second state in response to pressure in the exterior region. The second mechanism causes the valve to transition between the first state and the second state in response to a pressure differential between the exterior region and the inner passageway. The lock fixes the valve in one of the states.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cementing composition for an oil well or the like with porosity of less than 50%, and with a solid phase constituted by 35% to 65% (by volume) hollow microspheres, 20% to 45% Class G Portland cement, and 5% to 25% of Class G Portland micro-cement. The invention is used to cement conductor pipes in arctic zones or in deep water holes.

Abstract: Cementing compositions which are particularly suitable for squeeze cementing operations, comprise an aqueous phase, and a micro-cement, the aqueous phase including an aqueous suspension comprising a vinyl acetate type polymer obtained by chemically cross-linking a polyvinyl compound, a nanolatex and an anionic surfactant with a cloud point of more than 80° C.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides an anchoring apparatus for use in a wellbore that comprises a gripping assembly and an actuation assembly. In one arrangement, the actuation assembly includes a motor and a module having at least a compressible element (e.g., a hydraulic module) between the motor and the gripping assembly. Upon activation, the motor actuates the hydraulic module to cause activation of the gripping assembly. In one arrangement, the anchoring apparatus is designed to pass through a tubing or other restriction in the wellbore. When in the retracted state, the gripping assembly of the anchoring apparatus has an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the tubing. When in the expanded state, the gripping assembly of the anchoring apparatus has an outer diameter than is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the liner to enable engagement of the gripping assembly against the liner.

Abstract: Methods for determining the best value for at least one slowness-related parameter that has been determined in a number of ways is disclosed. Sonic logging data input in the methods are processed to determine multiple values of at least one slowness-related parameter using slowness/time coherence (STC) processing methods. The error of each determined parameter is determined and the determined errors used in selecting a representative parameter value from the multiple determined slowness-related parameter values.

Abstract: A technique for connecting expandable tubulars. The technique comprises an expandable connector system that facilitates the connection of tubular components, such as tubulars used in wellbore environments.