Abstract: A method is provided to produce hydrocarbons from a formation, the method includes the steps of: placing a pair of electrodes within a formation; applying differential voltages between pairs of electrodes wherein the voltage differences between the electrodes is greater than at least 10,000 volts; and producing hydrocarbons from the formation or an adjacent formation wherein the formation has an initial permeability of less than ten millidarcy. The invention also includes an apparatus effective to release pulses of electrical energy into the formation as this frequency and voltage at least until the formation has reached a point where the electrical potential arcs from one electrode to at least one other electrode.

Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing a double barrier around at least a portion of a subsurface treatment area in a hydrocarbon containing formation are disclosed. First barrier wells may be used to form a first barrier around a portion of the subsurface treatment area. Second barrier wells may be used to form a second barrier around the first barrier. A space may exist between the first barrier and the second barrier. The first barrier and second barrier may be inhibited from forming a single combined barrier by the injection, and in some cases circulation, of fluids such as saline water.

Abstract: A method is provided to produce hydrocarbons from a formation, the method includes the steps of: placing a pair of electrodes within a formation; applying differential voltages between pairs of electrodes wherein the voltage differences between the electrodes is greater than at least 10,000 volts; and producing hydrocarbons from the formation or an adjacent formation wherein the formation has an initial permeability of less than ten millidarcy. The invention also includes an apparatus effective to release pulses of electrical energy into the formation as this frequency and voltage at least until the formation has reached a point where the electrical potential arcs from one electrode to at least one other electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods used in treating a subsurface formation are described herein. Some embodiments also generally relate to barriers that have novel components therein. Such barriers may be obtained by using the systems and methods described. Some embodiments also generally relate to systems, methods, and/or processes for treating fluid produced from the subsurface formation.

Abstract: A method of installing an expandable tubular assembly in a wellbore, the tubular assembly including a plurality of expandable tubular elements, comprising: installing a first tubular element in the wellbore; installing a second tubular element in the wellbore such that an end part of the second tubular element extends into an end part of the first tubular element, arranging a radially deformable body around the overlapping portion; and radially expanding the end part of the second tubular element against the end part of the first tubular element such that the end part of the first tubular element becomes radially expanded and the deformable body becomes radially deformed, wherein a body of cement is present between the first tubular element and the wellbore wall, and wherein the deformable body is a fluidic volume that is pumped between the first tubular element and the wellbore wall before hardening of the cement.

Abstract: A method is provided of sealing an annular space between an expandable tubular element arranged in a wellbore and a wall surrounding the expandable tubular element. A pressure difference occurs between a first location in the annular space and a second location in the annular space axially spaced from the first location. The method comprises: installing the tubular element in the wellbore; locating a body of fluid in the annular space between the first and second locations, the fluid having a yield strength selected such that the pressure difference is insufficient to induce axial flow of the body of fluid in the annular space after radial expansion of the tubular element; and radially expanding the tubular element.

Abstract: For extracting a liquid (such as oil) from a porous medium, the liquid is subjected to pulses that propagate through the liquid flowing through the pores of the medium. The pulses cause momentary surges in the velocity of the liquid, which keeps the pores open. The pulses can be generated in the production well, or in a separate excitation well. If the pulses travel with the liquid, the velocity of travel of the liquid through the pores can be increased. The solid matrix is kept stationary, and the pulses move through the liquid. The pulses in the liquid can be generated directly in the liquid, or indirectly in the liquid via a localized area of the solid matrix.

Abstract: For extracting a liquid (such as oil) from a porous medium, the liquid is subjected to pulses that propagate through the liquid flowing through the pores of the medium. The pulses cause momentary surges in the velocity of the liquid, which keeps the pores open. The pulses can be generated in the production well, or in a separate excitation well. If the pulses travel with the liquid, the velocity of travel of the liquid through the pores can be increased. The solid matrix is kept stationary, and the pulses move through the liquid. The pulses in the liquid can be generated directly in the liquid, or indirectly in the liquid via a localized area of the solid matrix.

Abstract: For extracting a liquid (such as oil) from a porous medium, the liquid is subjected to pulses that propagate through the liquid flowing through the pores of the medium. The pulses cause momentary surges in the velocity of the liquid, which keeps the pores open. The pulses can be generated in the production well, or in a separate excitation well. If the pulses travel with the liquid, the velocity of travel of the liquid through the pores can be increased. The solid matrix is kept stationary, and the pulses move through the liquid. The pulses in the liquid can be generated directly in the liquid, or indirectly in the liquid via a localised area of the solid matrix.