Abstract: A system for drilling a wellbore includes a prediction unit operable to predict a change in a drilling event while the wellbore is being drilled and prior to the drilling event change occurring. The prediction unit monitors surface and downhole data and well inflows to predict drilling events. The prediction unit may activate alarms for predefined drilling conditions, such as a kick alarm to provide an early warning of a dangerous influx of formation fluids into the wellbore.

Abstract: A system for analyzing reservoir fluids in connection with a drilling operation includes an injection system for providing geochemical analysis of injected drilling fluids; a production system for providing geochemical analysis of produced drilling fluids; a cuttings system for providing geochemical analysis fluid recovered from reservoir cuttings; and a fluid characterization system for characterizing reservoir fluids of a reservoir intersected by the drilling operation based on geochemical analysis from the injection system, the production system, and the cutting system. The fluid characterization system is coupled to the injection system, the production system, and the cutting system.

Abstract: A method for analyzing reservoir fluids in connection with a drilling operation includes determining composition and isotopes of injection fluids injected into a wellbore during a drilling operation and production fluids recovered from the wellbore during the drilling operation. Reservoir fluids from a reservoir intersected by the wellbore are characterized based on the composition and isotopes of the injection fluid and of the production fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods of forming spaced fractures in a subterranean zone penetrated by a horizontal well bore. The methods include the steps of placing an open ended solid liner in the horizontal well bore, pumping a fracturing fluid through the open end of the liner to create fractures in the zone adjacent to the open end, forming perforations in the liner at a selected position spaced from the previously created fractures and pumping a fracturing fluid through the perforations to create additional fractures in the zone.