Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to reduce interference resulting from activation of explosive devices. To reduce interference, one or more shock impeding elements are placed proximal one or more explosives to impede propagation of shock caused by detonation of the explosives. The shock impeding elements include a porous material, such as a porous liquid or solid.

Abstract: It is proposed a method of treating a subterranean formation including providing a suspension of colloidal particles prior to the injection of a treating fluid based on an aqueous fluid comprising a thickening amount of a viscoelastic surfactant. The colloidal particles help to reduce fluid losses into the formation. According to a second embodiment, the treating fluid includes a hydrophobically-modified polymer, said hydrophobically-modified polymer being present at a concentration between approximately its overlap concentration c* and approximately its entanglement concentration ce. The method is particularly useful for fracturing operation in medium to high permeability formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of perforating and surging a section of the wellbore includes running a perforating gun into the well on a string having an isolation valve above the perforating gun, closing the valve, and perforating the well with the isolation valve closed so that the formation is isolated from the well surface. An underbalance pressure is provided above the isolation valve, and then, the isolation valve is opened to surge the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for opposing pressure-induced forces acting on a mandrel of a downhole tool. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for use with a packer and include a piston engageable with the mandrel. Forces placed upon the piston by pressure communicated from the tubing bore are transferred to the mandrel.

Abstract: Non-toxic high temperature stabilizers are described for compositions for treating subterranean formations using fluids that are hydrated from dry mix blends using controlled release methods of particle dissolution. In particular, one aspect of this invention is a dry blended particulate composition for hydraulic fracturing containing a particulate hydratable polysaccharide, a particulate crosslinking agent, a slowly releasing particulate base, and a non-toxic stabilizing salt for high temperature use. The dry blended particulate composition is capable of significantly improving rheological properties. It is useful for making hydraulic fracturing and other oilfield treatment fluids.

Abstract: A technique for facilitating the use of a variety of completion elements in a wellbore environment. The technique utilizes an insertion guide disposed within an open-hole section of a wellbore. The insertion guide may be radially expanded towards the surrounding formation to remove excess annular space. The expansion of the insertion guide further allows the use of a completion element having a greater diameter than would otherwise be afforded.

Abstract: A composition and method are given for self-destructive fluid loss additives and filter cakes in wellbores and subterranean formations. The fluid loss additives and filter cakes are formed from a mixture of particulate solid acid-precursors, such as a polylactic acid or a polyglycolic acid, and particulate solid acid-reactive materials, such as magnesium oxide or calcium carbonate. In the presence of water, the solid acid-precursors hydrolyze and dissolve, generating acids that then dissolve the solid acid-reactive materials. The composition is used in oilfield treatments such as drilling, completion and stimulation where it disappears when it is no longer needed without the use of mechanical means or injection of additional fluids.

Abstract: Methods are presented to induce a screenout during a subterranean formation fracturing or combined fracturing and gravel packing treatment having a viscoelastic surfactant-based carrier fluid by laying down a filter cake at least a portion of which is a base-soluble material, injecting proppant slurry, and causing hydrolysis and dissolution of the solid base-soluble material by adding base so that leak-off increases, the concentration of proppant in the fracture increases, and the proppant screens out. A method of gravel packing with a viscoelastic surfactant-based carrier fluid by laying down a filter cake at least a portion of which is a base-soluble material, injecting gravel, and causing hydrolysis and dissolution of the solid base-soluble material by adding base. Methods of slowing or accelerating the hydrolysis and dissolution are given, and addition of bridging-promoting materials is included.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore. One aspect of the invention comprises a housing member with a longitudinal bore and a valve member located within the housing member that is movable between open and closed positions. A sliding sleeve having a longitudinal bore is disposed within the housing member and can move between an upper position and a lower position. Attached to the sliding sleeve is a seating element where the valve member can seat. When the sliding sleeve is in the lower position, the valve member is held in the open position and communication is established between the longitudinal bore of the housing above and below the valve member. When the sliding sleeve is in the upper position, the valve member is held in the closed position and communication between the longitudinal bore of the housing above and below the valve member is restricted.

Abstract: Improved aqueous fracturing fluids are disclosed that are particularly useful as well stimulation fluids to fracture tight (i.e., low permeability) subterranean formations. Gas wells treated with these fracturing fluids have rapid cleanup and enhanced well production. The fluids contain small but sufficient amounts of certain amine oxides to aid in the removal of the fracturing fluid from the formation. By facilitating the removal of fluid from the invaded zones, the amount of damage to the fracture faces in the formation is thereby minimized. The amine oxides correspond to the formula I, wherein R1 is an aliphatic group of from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and wherein R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A modular electric motor for use in a wellbore. The modular motor includes a plurality of modular motor sections. The modular motor sections being mechanically and electrically coupleable. At least one modular motor section having a rotor. The rotor of one modular motor section having a rotor being drivingly coupleable to the rotor of a second modular motor section having a rotor. Thus, a given motor may be assembled to a variety of desired lengths by connecting the appropriate number of modular motor sections.

Abstract: A valve has a pair of surfaces, such as those of pipes, with an inflatable bladder disposed therebetween. Controlled inflation and deflation of the bladder provides for control of flow through the valve. 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. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows communications of electrical power and signaling from downhole component to another downhole component employs an inductive coupler assembly. In one arrangement, one portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a production tubing section and the other portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a casing or other liner section. The production tubing inductive coupler portion is electrically connected to a cable over which electrical power and signals may be transmitted. Such power and signals are magnetically coupled to the inductive coupler portion in the casing or liner section and communicated to various electrical devices mounted outside the casing or liner section. In other arrangements, inductive coupler assemblies may be used to couple electrical power and signals from the main bore to components in lateral branches of a multilateral well.

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: This invention proposes a method for completing an interval of an open-hole injection wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, said wellbore being communicating with the formation by way of an interface that comprises at least a filter cake invaded zone comprising bridging materials and other embedded solid materials, said method comprising the steps of injecting a clean-up fluid and contacting it with the filtercake for a period of time sufficient to loose some of the other solids embedded in the filter cake; removing the loosened solids by a high-rate displacement fluid comprising suspending additives; and then injecting a dissolving fluid comprising a diverter and an effective amount of a salt or acid capable of dissolving the bridging material.

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 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 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: 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: A method and apparatus for improving reservoir communication includes, in one arrangement, use of one or more chambers to create an underbalance condition and/or a fluid surge in the wellbore. In another arrangement, a tool string comprises a packer, a circulating valve, and an atmospheric chamber, in which the circulating valve, when open, is adapted to vent a lower wellbore region below the packer when the packer is set, and the atmospheric chamber is capable of being operated to create an underbalance condition below the packer. In yet another arrangement, an apparatus comprises a subsea wellhead equipment including a blow-out preventer, choke line filled with a low density fluid, and a kill line filled with a heavy fluid. The choke line is adapted to be opened to create an underbalance condition in the wellbore.