Abstract: A method for optimizing oilfield operations, in some embodiments, comprises: identifying a first oilfield model; determining n solutions to the first oilfield model that optimize a target parameter of the first oilfield model; identifying a second oilfield model; identifying a set of parameter values used in then solutions; selecting from said set a value that optimizes a different target parameter in the second oilfield model; determining an optimal solution to the first oilfield model using the selected value as a constant in said first oilfield model; and adjusting oilfield equipment using one or more of said optimizations.

Abstract: Enhanced methods for use in subterranean operations and, more particularly, for fracturing a subterranean formation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: introducing into a wellbore penetrating a portion of a subterranean formation alternating intervals of a particulate-laden fluid comprising a plurality of particulates sized 100 U.S. mesh or smaller, and a treatment fluid comprising a lesser amount of particulates than the particulate-laden fluid; wherein the alternating intervals of the particulate-laden fluid and the treatment fluid are introduced into the wellbore at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to subterranean operations and, more particularly, to fracturing a subterranean formation. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method comprising: introducing into a wellbore penetrating a portion of a subterranean formation alternating intervals of a particulate-laden fluid comprising a plurality of particulates sized 100 U.S. mesh or smaller, and a treatment fluid comprising a lesser amount of particulates than the particulate-laden fluid; wherein the alternating intervals of the particulate-laden fluid and the treatment fluid are introduced into the wellbore at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to simulating injection treatments applied to a subterranean formation from multiple well bores in the subterranean formation. A subterranean formation model representing rock blocks of a subterranean formation is received. Information on multiple injection treatments for multiple well bores in the subterranean formation is received. The subterranean formation model and the information on the injection treatments is used to predict a response of each of the rock blocks to forces acting on the rock block during the injection treatments. The injection treatments may include, for example, multiple fracture treatments for simultaneous application to the subterranean formation. In some implementations, injection treatments may be designed for a multiple-well bore system based on the predicted response of the rock blocks.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for producing fluids from a wellbore wherein fluids may be communicated through an aperture in a wall of the wellbore. A laser can then be used to seal the aperture in the wall of the wellbore. The wall of the wellbore may include a casing, and the laser can be used to seal the aperture in the wall of the wellbore by fusing apertures in the casing shut. Fusing the aperture in the casing can involve heating the casing such that opposite sides of the aperture fuse together or can involve selectively laser sintering fusible powders. The wall of the wellbore can be an open hole and using a laser to seal the aperture can include sealing the aperture in side surfaces of the open hole by glazing the surface of hole extending into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods may include selecting a slot size of apertures to control sand production including formation fines in fluid from a subterranean zone. The slot size may be selected based on a distribution of sizes of particles in fluid from the subterranean zone. A laser may be used to form apertures with the selected slot size in a casing installed in a wellbore in the subterranean zone. Systems and apparatuses may be configured to perform the above operations.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses involve selecting an aperture geometry to filter solids from fluid from a subterranean zone, the aperture geometry selected based on a distribution of sizes of particles in the fluid from the subterranean zone. A laser can be used to form slots with the selected aperture geometry in a casing installed in a well in the subterranean zone, the aperture geometry having a size selected based on the distribution of sizes of the particles.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation include a laser device. For example, a method may include characterizing a subterranean formation, selecting an orientation of an aperture based on characteristics of the subterranean formation, and using a laser to form an aperture of the selected orientation in the wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations, such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation, include a laser device. A first portion of a subterranean formation can be characterized, the first portion being at a first location. A first orientation of an aperture can be selected based on the characteristics of the first portion of the subterranean formation. A laser beam can be used to create the aperture having the first orientation. A second portion of the subterranean formation can be characterized, the second portion being at a second location different from the first location. A second orientation, different from the first orientation, can be selected based on the characteristics of the second portion of the subterranean formation. The laser beam can be moved to the second location and can be used to form the aperture having the second orientation.

Abstract: Methods that comprise selecting proppant for use in a fracturing fluid based on one or more factors, wherein the one or more factors comprise an interaction between the proppant and the fracturing fluid. Methods that comprise designing a treatment fluid that comprises a gelled base fluid and a particulate based on one or more factors, wherein the one or more factors comprise an interaction between the particulate and the gelled base fluid.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation include a laser device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation include a laser device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation include a laser device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation include a laser device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation include a laser device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation include a laser device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to simulating injection treatments applied to a subterranean formation from multiple well bores in the subterranean formation. A subterranean formation model representing rock blocks of a subterranean formation is received. Information on multiple injection treatments for multiple well bores in the subterranean formation is received. The subterranean formation model and the information on the injection treatments is used to predict a response of each of the rock blocks to forces acting on the rock block during the injection treatments. The injection treatments may include, for example, multiple fracture treatments for simultaneous application to the subterranean formation. In some implementations, injection treatments may be designed for a multiple-well bore system based on the predicted response of the rock blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing a viscosified fluid containing particulate indicate when the particulate is in suspension within the fluid and when it is not. The apparatus and method stir the fluid and particulate mixture for a time during which the viscosity of the fluid changes such that during a first period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate remains suspended in the fluid and during a second period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate settles out of suspension in the fluid. A signal is generated during the first and second periods such that the signal has a characteristic that changes from the first period to the second period to indicate the change in particle carrying ability of the fluid. Other characteristics, including crosslinking time, can also be determined. A test chamber includes projections extending from the inner surface of a cup receiving the fluid and from an axial support extending into the fluid in the cup.

Abstract: Treatment fluids comprising gelling agents that comprise crosslinkable polymers and certain biopolymers, and methods of use in subterranean operations, are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid; a crosslinking agent; and a gelling agent comprising a polymer that is a crosslinkable polymer, and a polymer that is a biopolymer wherein a molecule of the biopolymer (1) consists only of glucose, or (2) has a backbone comprising one or more units that comprise at least (a) one glucose unit and (b) one linear or cyclic pyranose-type monosaccharide unit, wherein (a) and (b) have different molecular structures.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to simulating injection treatments applied to a subterranean formation from multiple well bores in the subterranean formation. A subterranean formation model representing rock blocks of a subterranean formation is received. Information on multiple injection treatments for multiple well bores in the subterranean formation is received. The subterranean formation model and the information on the injection treatments is used to predict a response of each of the rock blocks to forces acting on the rock block during the injection treatments. The injection treatments may include, for example, multiple fracture treatments for simultaneous application to the subterranean formation. In some implementations, injection treatments may be designed for a multiple-well bore system based on the predicted response of the rock blocks.